Site Head Chef

Chartwells Independent; Bassingbourn cum Kneesworth; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programmes

Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Cinema discounts

Wellness programmes

Discounts for family and friends

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I in the UK is seeking a Head Chef to lead a healthcare kitchen, ensuring meals meet set menus and standards. You will manage the kitchen team, uphold safety and hygiene, and drive cost effective operation with a patient‑focused service mindset.

You will oversee stock, budgets and on‑site representation while delivering high quality meals and maintaining audit readiness within a structured environment.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef or senior chef in a structured environment.
• Comfortable working to set menus and standardised procedures.
• Safety-first mindset with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Deliver meals in line with set menu, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Lead and support the kitchen team in a positive, well‑organised environment.
• Ensure food is prepared, cooked and presented to required standards.
• Manage stock ordering, stock control and food waste.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and health & safety.
• Ensure cleaning schedules are followed and kitchen remains audit‑ready.
• Manage kitchen budgets and support cost control.
• Act as a professional representative of the organisation on site.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stock control

Food safety

Organised under pressure

Budgeting

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 & 706/2 or NVQ equival.

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver meals in line with aset menu, ensuring consistency and quality at every service
• Lead and support the kitchen team, creating a positive and well‑organised working environment
• Ensure all food is prepared, cooked and presented to required standards
• Manage stock ordering, stock control and food waste
• Maintain high standards offood safety, hygiene and health & safetyat all times
• Ensure cleaning schedules are followed and the kitchen remains compliant and audit‑ready
• Manage kitchen budgets and support cost control
• Act as a professional representative of the organisation on site

What We’re Looking For

• City & Guilds 706/1 & 706/2 or NVQ equivalent
• Experience working as aHead Chef or strong Senior Chefin a structured environment
• Comfortable working toset menus and standardised procedures
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Organised, calm and dependable under pressure
• Safety‑first mindset with excellent attention to detail
• Passionate about delivering food that meets the needs of patients and service users

Why Apply?

• £17.30 per hour, paid for40 hours per week
• Astable, structured rolewith predictable hours
• Supportive healthcare environment
• Opportunity to develop your leadership skills within an established organisation
• A role wherequality, consistency and carematter more than volume

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:

• 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

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/0809/96047001/52685958/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!