Lead Chef: Seasonal Menus & High-Volume Kitchen Leader

Compass Group PLC; Leeds; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension scheme

Career Pathways & MyLearning

Digital GP and wider healthcare

Travel discounts

Cinema tickets discounts

Cash rewards program

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Discounts for family and friends

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I is seeking an experienced Head Chef/Sous Chef to lead a corporate kitchen in Leeds. You will drive excellence in food preparation, oversee a busy service, and develop seasonal menus using local ingredients.

This hands-on role requires strong leadership, budget awareness, and a commitment to safety and quality, with collaboration across front-of-house teams. The position offers an engaging, fast-paced environment with opportunities to mentor staff and contribute to outstanding

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head Chef/Sous Chef in contract catering or high-volume hospitality environments.
• Strong hands-on leadership with ability to motivate and manage a team.
• Experience delivering high-end food and service in hospitality-focused settings.
• Able to adapt workload to changing business levels.
• Excellent culinary skills with creative menu development.
• Solid organisational and communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of health & safety and food hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring high standards of food preparation and hospitality delivery.
• Lead by example during busy service periods.
• Develop and deliver innovative, seasonal menus using locally sourced ingredients.
• Manage workload and staffing for fluctuating business demands.
• Lead, train, and inspire chefs and kitchen staff to maintain high performance.
• Plan staffing and resources to meet service needs.
• Ensure health & safety compliance and food hygiene standards.
• Manage budgets, food costs, and stock for profitability.
• Collaborate with front-of-house teams to deliver a seamless dining experience.

Skills

Leadership

Team motivation

High-volume service

Menu development

Budget control

Health & safety

Menu innovation

Job description

Compass Group UK&I is seeking an experienced Head Chef/Sous Chef to lead a corporate kitchen in Leeds. You will drive excellence in food preparation, oversee a busy service, and develop seasonal menus using local ingredients.

This hands-on role requires strong leadership, budget awareness, and a commitment to safety and quality, with collaboration across front-of-house teams. The position offers an engaging, fast-paced environment with opportunities to mentor staff and contribute to outstanding