Head Chef

Compass Group; Gravesend; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering service provider is seeking a Head Chef for the Metropolitan Police Specialist Training Centre. This role involves leading the catering team, maintaining food quality, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Ideal candidates will have significant experience, strong culinary and leadership skills, and a passion for innovative food service. The position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Healthcare benefits

Exclusive travel discounts

Shopping discounts

Cinema tickets discounts

Cash rewards program

Wellness classes

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Head Chef role.
• Strong track record of catering for large numbers.
• Passion for food and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organise, and direct food preparation and cooking.
• Maintain company reputation for quality at all times.
• Implement food monitoring procedures to support budget.

Skills

Leadership skills

Culinary skills

Food innovation

Financial understanding

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Job description

Head Chef - Metropolitan Police Specialist Training Centre

Location: Gravesend

Salary: £32.000 per annum
Working Pattern: 5 days over 7, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner service

We’re looking for an experienced, passionate, and forward‑thinking Head Chef to lead our catering team at the Metropolitan Police Specialist Training Centre. This is a unique opportunity to make a real impact by delivering exceptional food in a dynamic and highly professional environment.

At the heart of everything we do is the belief that great food brings people together. Through vibrant dishes, inviting spaces, and engaging service, we aim to inspire, motivate, and support our customers every day.

About the Role

As Head Chef, you will:

• The Head Chef will plan, organise, and direct the preparation and cooking of food, ensuring the company’s reputation for quality is maintained and enhanced at all times
• Take a hands‑on approach, taking responsibility for food production across employee dining and a wide range of pop‑up offerings
• Possess an exceptional drive for quality and innovation
• Responsible for all aspects of food safety, Health & Safety, and COSHH compliance
• Implement and maintain food monitoring procedures to support budgetary control and monitor all kitchen costs against agreed budgets

What We’re Looking For

Our ideal candidate will bring:

• Have proven experience in a Head Chef role, with a strong track record of catering for large numbers while ensuring each meal feels personally prepared
• Bring a big personality and great people skills, with the ability to lead, develop, train, and inspire a large team
• Demonstrate a real passion for food and customer service, with enthusiasm and an understanding that customer engagement is key
• Be confident in food innovation and development, staying up to date with current food trends
• Communicate effectively at all levels
• Have superb culinary skills
• Possess strong financial understanding
• Uphold high standards and be quality-driven
• Be highly organised

Why Join Us

This is more than just a Head Chef role - it’s an opportunity to lead with purpose, innovate with freedom, and serve a community that values quality and care.

Be part of a team where your creativity and leadership make a difference, every day.

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

As part of Compass you’ll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivaled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK’s biggest businesses.

Job Reference: com/2609/70274001/52758103/R/SU #Energy

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!