Head Chef - Coventry

Compass Group UK; Coventry; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company is seeking a Head Chef in Coventry to lead a talented kitchen team. You will manage kitchen operations, from meal preparation to event catering, ensuring high-quality standards. The role requires prior experience as a Head Chef or similar, leadership skills, and a passion for quality food. Benefits include contributing to a pension scheme and discounts on various services. This is an excellent opportunity for growth within a respected company offering competitive pay and perks.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Digital GP access

Discounts on travel and shopping

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards for spending

Wellness classes

Discount sharing for friends and family

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or similar role is essential.
• Relevant catering qualifications are desirable.
• Ability to manage a diverse team in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for delivering high-quality seasonal food.
• Flexibility to work various shifts including weekends.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team to deliver excellent food and service.
• Plan and prepare fresh, nutritious meals.
• Manage stock control and food waste reduction.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene and safety standards.
• Support daily operations and effective scheduling.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Team management

Education

NVQ or City & Guilds in catering

Job description

Head Chef - Coventry (Compass Group)

Salary: £15.61 per hour

Hours: 40 hours per week – predominantly Monday to Friday with occasional weekends.

Shift pattern: Early shift 7:00 am to 2:30 pm and late shift 10:00 am to 8:30 pm.

As a Head Chef with Compass Group, you'll lead a talented kitchen team delivering fresh, high‑quality meals to military personnel and staff. You'll oversee all aspects of kitchen operations – from daily service to event catering – ensuring every plate meets our high standards. You'll manage a team of 7 and play a key role in creating a positive, professional kitchen environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of 7 to deliver excellent food and service.
• Plan, prepare, and present fresh, nutritious meals for daily and special events.
• Manage ordering, stock control, and food waste reduction.
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health, and safety standards.
• Support smooth day‑to‑day operations and effective scheduling.
• Inspire a culture of teamwork, pride, and culinary creativity.

About You (Qualifications)

• Have previous experience in a Head Chef or similar role (essential).
• Hold relevant catering qualifications (NVQ, City & Guilds – desirable).
• Be confident managing a large, diverse team in a fast‑paced environment.
• Show strong leadership, organisation, and communication skills.
• Be passionate about delivering high‑quality, seasonal food.
• Be flexible to work a mixture of early and late shifts, including weekends.

Benefits

• 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.
• Unwind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes.
• Share all discounts and offers with your friends and families.

About Us

As part of Compass you’ll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Job Reference: com / 1112 / 42857001 / 52780724 / SU #Energy

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!