Head Chef

Compass Group UK & Ireland; Exmouth; Presencial; GBP 36.000 - 44.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

ESS Defence, Compass Group UK & Ireland, is seeking a Head Chef for the Officers' Mess at CTCRM Lympstone in Exmouth. You will lead a busy kitchen, delivering breakfast, lunch, dinner and high-profile events for military personnel and guests, including functions up to 250.

You will manage a small kitchen team, ensure HACCP compliance, and drive quality and financial performance in a dynamic, security-conscious environment.

Formación

• Experience leading a kitchen team in high-volume operations.
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene, HACCP and safety standards.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, purchasing and waste reduction.

Responsabilidades

• Lead, motivate and develop a team of chefs and kitchen staff.
• Deliver consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service.
• Manage kitchen operations, food safety, compliance and stock control.
• Drive financial performance through budget management and waste reduction.
• Plan and deliver varied food offers across daily dining and hospitality services.
• Lead delivery of functions from intimate to 250 guests.

Conocimientos

Team leadership

Food safety

Menu planning

Budget management

Communication

Stakeholder management

IT literacy

Herramientas

IT literacy

Descripción del empleo

Head Chef - CTCRM Lympstone Officers' Mess

ESS Defence, Compass Group UK&I

Location: CTCRM Lympstone, Exmouth Road, Lympstone, EX8 5AR

Salary: £39,880 per annum

Hours: 40 hours per week

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday with occasional weekend working for functions

Lead a Prestigious Military Mess Kitchen

We're looking for a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead the culinary operation within the Officers' Mess at CTCRM Lympstone, home of the Royal Marines. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a busy and varied food operation, delivering exceptional dining experiences for military personnel, guests, and prestigious functions.

From daily breakfast, lunch and dinner services through to formal dining events and high-profile functions for up to 250 guests, you'll have the opportunity to showcase your culinary expertise while leading and developing a dedicated kitchen team.

What's in it for you?

Benefits

One of the unique benefits of this role is the work-life balance on offer. The site operates around military leave periods, meaning you'll be expected to take annual leave during:

• 2 weeks at Christmas
• 2 weeks at Easter
• 3 weeks during the summer

This provides excellent opportunities to plan quality downtime throughout the year.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop a team of chefs and kitchen assistants.
• Deliver consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service.
• Manage all aspects of kitchen operations, including food safety, compliance and stock control.
• Drive financial performance through effective budget management, purchasing and waste reduction.
• Plan and deliver a varied food offer across daily dining and hospitality services.
• Lead the delivery of functions ranging from intimate dinners to large-scale events for up to 250 guests.
• Ensure full compliance with Food Safety, HACCP, COSHH and Health & Safety standards.
• Build strong working relationships with the ESS Mess Manager, Military Mess Manager and function sponsors.
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve food quality, customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

About You

We're looking for someone who can combine strong culinary expertise with effective leadership and commercial awareness.

You’ll Ideally Have

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within contract catering, hospitality, hotels, armed forces, education, healthcare or event catering.
• A proven ability to lead, develop and inspire teams.
• Strong food production and menu planning experience.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A quality-driven approach with a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences.
• Strong financial and commercial awareness, including labour and food cost control.
• Sound knowledge of food hygiene and health & safety legislation.
• Experience managing multiple dining styles, from informal dining through to formal hospitality events.
• Good IT literacy and administrative skills.

The Operation

The Officers' Mess caters for varying daily customer numbers of approximately 50‑180 diners, with services including:

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday to Friday
• Brunch and dinner at weekends
• A busy programme of hospitality and functions
• Events ranging from 12 to 250 guests
• Buffet, banqueting and formal dining occasions

You’ll Lead a Kitchen Team Of

• 3 Chefs
• 2 Kitchen Porters

Why Join ESS?

ESS is the Defence, Energy and Government Services sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland. We support those who serve our country by providing outstanding food and support services across military establishments throughout the UK.

This role offers the opportunity to work in a unique environment where quality, hospitality and professionalism are highly valued, while enjoying a genuine work‑life balance rarely found within hospitality.