Head Chef: Lead a Prestigious Officers' Mess Kitchen

Compass Group UK & Ireland; Exmouth; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

ESS Defence, Compass Group UK & Ireland, is seeking a Head Chef for the Officers' Mess at CTCRM Lympstone in Exmouth. You will lead a busy kitchen, delivering breakfast, lunch, dinner and high-profile events for military personnel and guests, including functions up to 250.

You will manage a small kitchen team, ensure HACCP compliance, and drive quality and financial performance in a dynamic, security-conscious environment.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team in high-volume operations.
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene, HACCP and safety standards.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, purchasing and waste reduction.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop a team of chefs and kitchen staff.
• Deliver consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service.
• Manage kitchen operations, food safety, compliance and stock control.
• Drive financial performance through budget management and waste reduction.
• Plan and deliver varied food offers across daily dining and hospitality services.
• Lead delivery of functions from intimate to 250 guests.

Skills

Team leadership

Food safety

Menu planning

Budget management

Communication

Stakeholder management

IT literacy

Tools

IT literacy

Job description

ESS Defence, Compass Group UK & Ireland, is seeking a Head Chef for the Officers' Mess at CTCRM Lympstone in Exmouth. You will lead a busy kitchen, delivering breakfast, lunch, dinner and high-profile events for military personnel and guests, including functions up to 250.

You will manage a small kitchen team, ensure HACCP compliance, and drive quality and financial performance in a dynamic, security-conscious environment.