Head Chef

Compass Group UK Careers; Fareham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company is seeking a Head Chef for HMS Collingwood in Fareham. You will be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations and managing a team to provide high-quality meals for service personnel. The ideal candidate will have experience in a similar role, demonstrate strong leadership and organizational skills, and manage daily food service. This full-time role offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including a contributory pension scheme and various discounts.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Free parking on site

Free meal on shift

Uniform provided

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• Experience in a Head Chef or similar senior role is essential.
• Must hold relevant catering qualifications, desirable but not mandatory.
• Demonstrated experience in leading staff and managing kitchen operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 6 kitchen staff.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations including food preparation and service.
• Plan nutritious menus ensuring timely delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Communication

Flexibility

Education

Relevant culinary qualifications

Tools

Catering systems

Computer systems

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.

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to :

• 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!