Site Executive Chef

Compass Group UK; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering service provider is looking for a Site Executive Chef to lead operations at RAF Cosford. The role requires a hands-on leader to manage multiple kitchens, ensuring high food quality, menu planning, and compliance with food safety standards. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in high-volume catering, strong leadership skills, and a passion for developing talent. This position offers an excellent work-life balance with benefits including free meals, onsite parking, and access to a digital GP.

Benefits

Free meals

Onsite free car parking

Contributory pension scheme

Training and apprenticeships

Exclusive travel discounts

Cash rewards on spending

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a similar high-volume, multi-kitchen role.
• Strong leadership and people development skills.
• Passion for food and developing future talent.

Responsibilities

• Lead catering operations at RAF Cosford.
• Menu planning and compliance with food safety.
• Drive GP, labour, and food cost targets.

Skills

Leadership in multi-kitchen environments

Food quality and presentation

Budgeting and food costing

Team development and training

Computer literacy

Job description

Site Executive Chef

Location: RAF Cosford, WV7 3EX

Salary: £38,191 per annum

Hours: 39 hours per week

Working Pattern: Mainly Monday-Friday (occasional weekends / late finishes)

Looking for a senior chef role with real work‑life balance?

ESS are recruiting a Site Executive Chef to lead catering operations at RAF Cosford, a large, fully operational military site serving 800‑1,000 meals daily across multiple kitchens.

Service Times

• Breakfast: 06:00 - 08:00
• Lunch: 11:30 - 13:30
• Evening Meal: 16:30 - 20:00

The Role

• Hands‑on leadership across multiple kitchens
• Menu planning aligned to ESS frameworks and customer needs
• Maintain food quality, consistency, and presentation
• Lead, develop, and inspire a team of around 15
• Deliver functions and events as required
• Ensure full compliance with HACCP, food safety, and allergen management
• Drive GP, labour, and food cost targets
• Use catering systems effectively – computer literacy essential
• Support apprenticeships, career pathways, and the Junior Chef Academy
• Flexible approach to meet operational needs

About You

• Proven experience in a similar high‑volume, multi‑kitchen role (essential)
• Strong leadership and people development skills
• Passion for food and developing future talent
• Calm, organised, and adaptable
• Confident with systems, stock control, and reporting
• Strong understanding of food costing, margins, and budgeting

What’s in It for You?

• Excellent work‑life balance
• Mainly Monday‑Friday working
• No split shifts / no regular late nights
• Free meal on shift
• Training, apprenticeships & clear career pathways
• Opportunities to work on large‑scale events
• Perks for Work benefits platform
• Genuine progression opportunities within ESS

Benefits

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:

• Free meals
• Onsite free car parking
• 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
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, ESS is the Defence, Government, and Energy services sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland. We support 250+ UK military establishments, high profile police, secure environments and government sites, along with a range of onshore and offshore facilities including platforms, drilling rigs, floatels and offices for the energy sector. We know that a friendly face makes all the difference, so we look for people who are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, at all levels, to join our teams.

Job Reference: com/2212/94611001/52782354/SU #Defence

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!