Head Chef: Lead Creative Culinary for High-Impact Events

Compass Group UK; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days’ holiday + bank holidays, your

birthday off and the option to buy

additional holidays

Healthcare and wellbeing support

Two weeks off over Christmas and New

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Enhanced maternity, paternity and

Shopping, entertainment and travel

Pension scheme and Life Assurance

Meals on duty

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I is seeking a hands-on Head Chef for Kents Hill Park Training and Conference Centre in Milton Keynes. You’ll lead a busy kitchen, shape menus and drive guest experiences with creativity and consistency.

You’ll manage a talented team, control costs, uphold food safety and deliver high‑quality meals across breakfasts, lunches, dinners, banquets and events. This role offers up to £50,000 plus excellent benefits and clear career development.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head Chef or senior Sous Chef.
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop a kitchen team.
• Passion for fresh ingredients and memorable food experiences.
• Strong commercial awareness including food costs and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen brigade and develop the team.
• Own the culinary offer with creativity on menus.
• Create visually appealing dishes using quality ingredients.
• Adapt offerings for conferences, meetings, weddings and events.
• Collaborate with General Manager to improve food and guest experience.
• Manage budgets, food costs, labour and waste.
• Champion sustainability and ensure food safety standards.
• Lead by example during service and embrace technology.

Skills

Lead kitchen brigade

Team leadership

Menu development

Food safety leadership

Tools

Online food ordering systems

Food waste management

Menu planning systems

Job description

Compass Group UK&I is seeking a hands-on Head Chef for Kents Hill Park Training and Conference Centre in Milton Keynes. You’ll lead a busy kitchen, shape menus and drive guest experiences with creativity and consistency.

You’ll manage a talented team, control costs, uphold food safety and deliver high‑quality meals across breakfasts, lunches, dinners, banquets and events. This role offers up to £50,000 plus excellent benefits and clear career development.