Lead Chef

Compass Group UK; Chester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free lunch and coffee

On-site gym and parking

Monthly prize raffle

Training and progression opportunities

Job summary

Compass Group UK is seeking a Lead Chef in Chester to head a small kitchen team, ensure high standards, and deliver high-quality lunchtime offerings.

You will oversee food safety, allergens, ordering, stock management, and work with the General Manager to raise standards and grow the client business.

This role offers weekday hours, onsite facilities, and opportunities for development within a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Must lead and develop a kitchen team and maintain high food safety standards.
• Experience managing ordering and stock.
• Strong commitment to developing staff and improving the operation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a small kitchen team, setting priorities and role clarity.
• Oversee food safety, allergens, due diligence, health and safety and kitchen compliance.
• Manage ordering, stock levels and cost controls in line with GP and financial targets.
• Collaborate with the General Manager to raise standards and grow the client business.

Skills

Team leadership

Food safety

Commercial awareness

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Job description

Lead Chef - Chester

We’re looking for a passionate and driven Lead Chef to join our team and play a key role in delivering an outstanding food experience. This is an exciting opportunity for a chef who takes pride in quality, enjoys developing a team and wants to have a real impact.

You’ll lead and develop a small kitchen team, oversee food safety and compliance, manage ordering and stock, and work closely with the General Manager to improve standards, grow the business and deliver creative, high-quality lunchtime food.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for food and takes pride in delivering high-quality, well-presented food with creativity and flair.
• Enjoys leading, developing and motivating a kitchen team, creating a positive, supportive and high-performing working environment.
• Understands the importance of food safety, allergens, due diligence, health & safety and kitchen compliance, and takes ownership of maintaining high standards.
• Has commercial awareness, including an understanding of sales, GP, cost control and financial performance, or is keen to develop these skills.
• Is organised and comfortable with the day-to-day administration of a kitchen, including ordering, stock management and financial controls.
• Is proactive, energetic and full of ideas, with a genuine desire to improve standards, develop the operation and enhance the client experience.
• Takes an active interest in growing the business and increasing footfall, including employee dining, office catering and events.
• Is committed to their own development as well as developing the kitchen team and contributing to the overall success of the business.

What’s on offer:

• Monday–Friday, 6:30am–3:00pm, giving you a great work-life balance.
• No weekends or public holidays.
• Sociable working hours in a supportive and professional environment.
• Free lunch and coffee while on duty.
• Free on-site gym and parking.
• Monthly prize raffle, with the chance to win event and concert tickets, gifts and more.
• Extensive training and progression opportunities to support your professional development.
• The opportunity to work closely with the General Manager to develop and grow the business, improve performance and make a real impact.

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Discounted Event tickets
• 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
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About Us

Restaurant Associates provides brilliant hospitality through our food, drink and services. We work with our partners and collaborate with our clients to achieve great things together.Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK's leading workplace as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.

Job Reference: com/1409/92982001/52759115/SU #RA Group

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!