Head Chef - Contract Catering Lead for Military Kitchen

Compass Group PLC; Solva; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

Career development programmes

Digital GP & wider healthcare benefits

Travel discounts (TUI, Expedia, etc.)

Cinema tickets discounts

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I is seeking a Head Chef for a new role at Cawdor Barracks, leading a catering operation serving up to 60 Service Personnel. This hands-on position requires developing a team and managing a well-structured kitchen in a military setting, taking full responsibility for the operation and ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and service delivery.

You will lead a six-person team, train and coach members, and manage stock, audits and compliance, while delivering excellent

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head Chef or Senior Chef in contract catering.
• Experience leading a kitchen team of six.
• Strong knowledge of stock management, ordering, and auditing.
• Reliable and capable of travelling to site when required.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and delivering high-quality, nutritious meals for Service Personnel.
• Leading a hands-on kitchen operation and setting the standard from the front.
• Managing daily feeding activities in line with contract requirements.
• Line managing and developing a team of 6.
• Training, coaching, and supporting team members to build capability.
• Managing food ordering, stock control, audits, and minimising waste.
• Ensuring excellent food presentation, consistency, and service standards.
• Maintaining compliance with Food Safety and Health & Safety regulations.
• Taking ownership of kitchen audits, paperwork, and compliance checks.

Skills

Team leadership

Menu planning

Food safety

Stock management

Training & development

Kitchen operations

Job description

Compass Group UK&I is seeking a Head Chef for a new role at Cawdor Barracks, leading a catering operation serving up to 60 Service Personnel. This hands-on position requires developing a team and managing a well-structured kitchen in a military setting, taking full responsibility for the operation and ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and service delivery.

You will lead a six-person team, train and coach members, and manage stock, audits and compliance, while delivering excellent