Head Chef

Compass Group UK; Lincoln; On-site; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A major food service company is seeking a confident Head Chef to lead a dedicated team at RAF Digby. The role involves menu planning, food preparation, and event catering, ensuring the highest standards of quality and hygiene. Candidates should have proven experience in a similar role, relevant catering qualifications, and a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences. This full-time position includes a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Healthcare benefits

Travel discounts

Groceries discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Head Chef or Senior Chef role.
• Experience delivering buffet-style and silver service dining.
• Ability to manage stock and reduce food waste.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 8 kitchen staff in meal preparation.
• Engage with customers to ensure a high-quality dining experience.
• Manage compliance with food hygiene and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Relevant catering qualifications (e.g. NVQ, City & Guilds)

Job description

Overview

🍽️ Head Chef - ESS (RAF Digby)
Location: RAF Digby, Lincolnshire
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week (Monday-Friday, 08:00-16:30)
Salary: £16.65 per hour
Additional Hours: Some evening and weekend work required to support seasonal functions and business needs.

About the Role

As Head Chef with ESS at RAF Digby, you will lead from the front in a fast-paced, professional kitchen serving around 70 service personnel each day. You’ll manage a dedicated team of 8, including 2 direct reports, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals and an exceptional dining experience for all personnel on site.

Meal Service Times:

• Breakfast: 06:15 - 08:00
• Lunch: 11:30 - 13:00
• Evening Meal: 17:30 - 18:30

You will be responsible for menu planning, food preparation, and event catering — from daily service to special functions and banquets — maintaining the highest standards of quality, hygiene, and presentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and support a team of 8 kitchen staff, fostering a positive and professional environment
• Prepare, cook, and present a variety of dishes to consistently high standards
• Deliver catering for seasonal events, private functions, and formal dining — from buffets to silver service
• Engage directly with customers to ensure their dining experience exceeds expectations
• Manage ordering, stock control, and food waste reduction
• Maintain compliance with all food hygiene, health, and safety standards
• Oversee staff rotas and ensure smooth daily kitchen operations

About You

You’ll be a confident and experienced culinary professional who thrives under pressure and leads by example.

You will:

• Have proven experience in a Head Chef or Senior Chef role (essential)
• Hold relevant catering qualifications (e.g. NVQ, City & Guilds - desirable)
• Have experience delivering both buffet-style and silver service dining
• Possess strong communication and leadership skills
• Be organised, creative, and passionate about high-quality, seasonal food
• Be flexible and adaptable to support business and operational needs

Career Development

ESS offers structured Career Pathways and development opportunities through our Apprenticeship Executive Head Chef Level programme — helping you grow your skills, leadership capabilities, and future career within Compass Group.

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/1710/95080001/52768924/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!