Head Chef – Contract Catering Leader (Defence Kitchen)

Chartwells Independent; Haverfordwest; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension scheme

Career Pathways and MyLearning

Digital GP access

Travel discounts with TUI/Expedia/Book

Shop discounts at Tesco/Sainsbury's/M…

Cinema discounts up to 44%

Cash rewards on purchases

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Discounts for friends & family

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I is hiring a Head Chef for Cawdor Barracks, leading a 6-person kitchen operation and delivering high-quality meals for Service Personnel in a structured contract catering setting.

You will drive food safety, team development, and compliance, while managing stock and audits in a military environment. This role requires hands-on leadership and reliability in a fast-paced kitchen.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef or Senior Chef, preferably in contract catering.
• Ability to lead and develop kitchen teams in a structured environment.
• Strong knowledge of stock management, ordering, and auditing.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver high-quality meals for Service Personnel.
• Lead a hands-on kitchen operation and set standards from the front.
• Manage daily feeding activities and line manage a team of 6.
• Train, coach, and support team members to build capability.
• Handle food ordering, stock control, audits and waste reduction.
• Ensure excellent presentation, consistency and service standards.
• Maintain compliance with Food Safety and Health & Safety regulations.
• Take ownership of kitchen audits, paperwork and compliance checks.

Skills

Head Chef

Team leadership

Stock management

Food safety

Safety compliance

Job description

Compass Group UK&I is hiring a Head Chef for Cawdor Barracks, leading a 6-person kitchen operation and delivering high-quality meals for Service Personnel in a structured contract catering setting.

You will drive food safety, team development, and compliance, while managing stock and audits in a military environment. This role requires hands-on leadership and reliability in a fast-paced kitchen.