Head Chef

Chartwells Independent; Ware; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

CH&CO, part of Compass Group UK&I, invites applications for a Head Chef role at GSK Ware GSC. You will lead the kitchen, manage a team of five, and oversee purchasing, stock control and seasonal menus.

The role requires maintaining high standards of food safety and service, with Monday–Friday, 7:00–15:00 shifts and 80–100 covers daily. Competitive salary and career development await.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team in a busy operation.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and GP targets.
• Strong focus on food safety, quality and presentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality food across services.
• Oversee and develop a team of 5, providing leadership, training and support.
• Manage food purchasing, stock control and spend to hit budgets.
• Plan and deliver fresh, seasonal menus in line with client expectations and standards.
• Maintain all food safety, health & safety and compliance standards.
• Produce high-quality food for a busy site serving 80–100 covers daily.
• Maintain kitchen standards, presentation and service across retail and hospitality operations.
• Build strong client and stakeholder relationships and respond to business needs.
• Monitor waste, labour costs and efficiencies to maximise profitability.
• Support wider site team to deliver an outstanding customer experience.

Skills

Team leadership

Kitchen operations

Menu planning

Food safety

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Job description

Great food in the workplace isn’t simply about fuel.It’s about increasing productivity and improving performance; it’s about happy, motivated people and inspiring environments. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do – we live to bring food and people together.

We are brave, bold and curious adventurers in food and drink. Never shy of being different, always challenging the conventional.

Our passionate team of chefs, baristas, servers, nutritionists and much more, love nothing more than creating memorable moments that enrich the everyday.Come and join our award-winning teams – we are currently recruiting for a Head Chef to join our team.

Shift Pattern:

Monday-Friday, 7:00-15:00

Location:

GSK Ware GSC

Salary:

£40,000 per annum

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring a high-quality food offering across breakfast, lunch, and hospitality services.
• Oversee and develop a team of 5, providing leadership, training, and support to drive performance and engagement.
• Manage food purchasing, stock control, and food spend, ensuring budgets and GP targets are achieved.
• Plan and deliver fresh, seasonal menus in line with client expectations and company standards.
• Ensure all food safety, health & safety, and compliance standards are maintained at all times.
• Produce high-quality food for a busy, high-profile B&I site serving 80-100 covers daily.
• Maintain excellent kitchen standards, presentation, and service delivery across retail and hospitality operations.
• Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, responding effectively to changing business needs.
• Monitor waste, labour costs, and operational efficiencies to maximise profitability.
• Support the wider site team to deliver an outstanding customer experience.

Job Reference: com/1409/48176001/52729051/BU #Gather and Gather

CH&CO, a part of 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!