Head Chef

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

Job summary

A leading catering company in Portsmouth is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead a dedicated kitchen team in a busy environment. Responsibilities include overseeing menu planning, food preparation, and event catering while maintaining the highest standards of quality and hygiene. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and experience in managing a high-volume kitchen. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

Free meal provided on shift

Uniform supplied

Access to an on-site gym

Opportunities for overtime

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Digital GP access

Exclusive travel discounts

Food shop discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards on spending

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Head Chef or Senior Chef role.
• Experience delivering both buffet-style and silver service dining.
• Ability to manage a team and maintain high standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of 8 kitchen staff.
• Prepare, cook, and present high-quality dishes.
• Deliver catering for seasonal events and formal dining.
• Engage with customers and service personnel to ensure satisfaction.
• Manage ordering, stock control, and food waste reduction.
• Maintain compliance with food hygiene and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Food quality and presentation

Communication

Organisational

Creativity

Adaptability

Education

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

Job description

Head Chef – ESS (HMS Excellent)

Location: HMS Excellent, Portsmouth
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week (Monday–Friday, rotating early and late shifts)
Salary: £33,721 per annum
Additional Hours: Occasional evenings and weekends required to support seasonal functions and business needs.

About the Role

As Head Chef with ESS at HMS Excellent, you’ll lead from the front in a busy, high-volume kitchen serving around 200 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 across all meal services.

You’ll oversee menu planning, food preparation, and event catering — from daily service to formal dinners, private functions, and seasonal events — while maintaining the highest standards of quality, hygiene, and presentation.

Meal Service Times:

• Breakfast: 06:30 – 08:15

• Lunch: 11:30 – 13:30

• Evening Meal: 18:30 – 19:30

• Bar Service: 19:45 – 21:00

You’ll work a rotating shift pattern of early (06:00–13:30) and late (13:30–21:00) shifts, Monday to Friday, with opportunities for overtime during special functions and events.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of 8 kitchen staff, fostering a positive, professional working environment.

• Prepare, cook, and present a variety of fresh, high-quality dishes to consistently high standards.

• Deliver catering for seasonal events, private functions, and formal dining — from buffets to silver service.

• Engage directly with customers and service personnel to ensure satisfaction and exceed 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 day-to-day kitchen operations.

About You

You’re a confident and experienced culinary professional who leads by example and thrives in a structured, team-focused environment. You take pride in producing great food, leading a motivated team, and managing the demands of a dynamic kitchen.

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.

• Demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.

• Be creative, adaptable, and passionate about producing high-quality, seasonal dishes.

• Be flexible and proactive in supporting business and operational needs.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary (£33,721 per annum)

• Free meal provided on shift.

• Uniform supplied.

• Access to an on-site gym.

• Opportunities for overtime during functions and events.

• A supportive, professional environment within a respected defence catering operation.

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/0511/95826001/52612006/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!