Head Chef

Compass Group UK; Fareham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering service provider is seeking a Head Chef for HMS Collingwood in Fareham. This role involves leading a team of 6 kitchen staff, ensuring high-quality meals for about 300 service personnel daily. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in a similar senior role and possess strong leadership and organizational skills. The position offers competitive pay at £16.35 per hour and benefits including free meals and parking, along with a professional work environment.

Benefits

Free parking

Free meal provided

Uniform supplied

Contributory pension scheme

Exclusive travel discounts

Cash rewards on spending

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or similar senior role is essential.
• Must hold relevant catering qualifications.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a busy kitchen operation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 6 kitchen staff.
• Take full responsibility for daily kitchen operations.
• Plan and ensure meals are nutritious and well-presented.
• Control ordering, stock management, and food waste.

Skills

Leadership

Organization

Communication

Computer literacy

Education

Catering qualifications

Job description

Head Chef - ESS (HMS Collingwood)

Location: HMS Collingwood, Fareham

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £16.35 per hour

Working Pattern: 5 days over 7, with occasional weekends required for seasonal functions

About the Role

ESS is recruiting a Head Chef at HMS Collingwood, responsible for delivering high-quality catering services to approximately 300 service personnel daily. This is a busy, structured catering environment with a reduced workload during holiday periods, offering a balanced and rewarding role.

You will lead and manage a team of 6, with 6 direct reports, ensuring smooth kitchen operations, consistent food quality, and excellent service across all meal periods. The role requires strong leadership, organisation, and the ability to operate confidently in a high-volume setting.

Meal Service Times

• Breakfast: 06:30 - 08:30
• Lunch: 11:30 - 13:30
• Evening Meal: 17:30 - 19:30

Shift Patterns

• Early Shift: 05:30 - 13:30
• Late Shift: 11:00 - 19:00 (A working week will be a mixture of early and late shifts.)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and manage a team of 6 kitchen staff, fostering a professional and positive working environment.
• Take full responsibility for daily kitchen operations, food preparation, and service delivery.
• Plan menus and ensure meals are nutritious, well-presented, and delivered on time.
• Manage staff rotas, attendance, and performance.
• Deliver catering for seasonal functions and special events when required.
• Control ordering, stock management, and food waste.
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health, and safety regulations.
• Use catering and rota systems effectively — computer literacy is essential.

About You

You are a confident, organised, and experienced culinary professional with a strong leadership style and the ability to manage a busy kitchen operation.

You Will

• Have previous experience in a Head Chef or similar senior role (essential).
• Hold relevant catering qualifications (desirable).
• Be computer literate and comfortable using digital systems.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Be flexible to support occasional weekend and seasonal event work.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay at £16.35 per hour.
• Free parking on site.
• Free meal provided on shift.
• Uniform supplied.
• Reduced workload during holiday periods.
• A stable, professional role within a respected defence catering organisation.

Benefits

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com, and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un‑wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, ESS is the Defence, Government, and Energy services sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland. We support 250+ UK military establishments, high profile police, secure environments and government sites, along with a range of onshore and offshore facilities including platforms, drilling rigs, floatels and offices for the energy sector. We know that a friendly face makes all the difference, so we look for people who are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, at all levels, to join our teams.

Job Reference: com/1512/95716001/52781080/SU #Defence

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!