Head Chef

Chartwells Independent; Liss; On-site; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food service provider in England is seeking a qualified Head Chef for Longmoor Training Camp. The role involves leading a culinary team, managing food quality and safety, and fostering a positive kitchen culture. Candidates should possess strong leadership and cooking skills with a commitment to excellence. Full-time hours with competitive salary and benefits package included.

Benefits

Free meals

Onsite free car parking

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Digital GP access

Discounts for travel and shopping

Cinema ticket discounts

Wellness and exercise classes

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar Head Chef role is required.
• Strong timekeeping and ability to work under pressure are essential.
• A positive leader who fosters a thriving team environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary team at Longmoor Training Camp.
• Manage food ordering and stock control effectively.
• Ensure compliance with food handling and hygiene standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Cooking

Time management

Initiative

Job description

Head Chef – Longmoor Training Camp, GU33 6EL

£33491 per annum
40 hours per week | Full-time, site-based

We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Head Chef to lead our culinary team at Longmoor Training Camp. If you’re passionate about delivering great food, creating a supportive team culture, and maintaining the highest standards in a dynamic environment, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll be doing

• Preparing delicious, high-quality dishes that delight our customers
• Identifying opportunities to enhance our food service
• Creating a positive, supportive kitchen culture for a team of 16
• Delivering our exciting food concepts across two on-site kitchens
• Representing Compass Group UK&I with professionalism and pride
• Managing food ordering, stock control, and minimising food waste
• Overseeing kitchen cleanliness and ensuring hygiene standards are met
• Managing budgets and meeting financial targets
• Ensuring full compliance with Food Handling, Hygiene, and Health & Safety regulations

What we’re looking for

• A positive leader who creates an environment where the team thrive
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships
• Previous experience in a similar Head Chef role
• Enthusiasm, motivation, and a drive for excellence
• Confidence to take initiative and make customer-focused decisions
• Reliability, strong timekeeping, and the ability to work under pressure
• A safety-first mindset with a passion for great food

Hours & Working Pattern

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Working across two kitchens with a team of 16
• A mix of early and late shifts (5 over 7):
• Early: 05:00–13:30
• Late: 10:30–19:00

Service times include:

• Breakfast: 07:00–08:00
• Lunch: 12:00–15:00
• Evening Meal: 17:00–18:00

If you’re ready to bring your skills, leadership, and passion for food to a role where you can truly make an impact, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

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:

• Free meals
• Onsite free car parking
• 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.

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!