Head Chef

Chartwells Independent; Runcorn; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A catering service provider in the United Kingdom is seeking a passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen team. You will be responsible for all kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality meals, developing your team, and creating innovative menus. The ideal candidate has a strong background in contract catering or hospitality and excellent leadership skills. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, promoting career growth and well-being.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness classes

Qualifications

• Proven background as a Head Chef or Senior Sous in contract catering or hospitality.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire a team.
• Flair for creative menu development focusing on fresh and seasonal ingredients.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all kitchen operations to ensure quality meals.
• Lead team to achieve cooking excellence.
• Manage stock and suppliers to enhance efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Time management

Menu development

Allergen management

Job description

Are you a creative and passionate chef who thrives in a fast-paced environment? We’re looking for a Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and deliver exceptional food experiences.

What you’ll do:

• Take ownership of all kitchen operations, ensuring consistent high-quality meals for our clients.
• Lead, motivate, and develop your team to achieve excellence.
• Create innovative menus that balance nutrition, taste, and budget.
• Manage stock, suppliers, and ordering to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards.
• Build strong relationships with clients and adapt to their evolving catering needs.

What we’re looking for:

• A proven background as a Head Chef or Senior Sous in contract catering, hospitality, or volume food service.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop a team.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills.
• A flair for menu development with a focus on fresh, seasonal, and cost‑effective ingredients.
• Knowledge of allergen management and HACCP systems.

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

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!