Site Head Chef

Compass Group PLC; Wendy; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension scheme

Career development pathways

Healthcare benefits

Job summary

Compass Group PLC, at Bassingbourn Barracks, seeks an experienced Site Head Chef to lead five kitchens, delivering high-volume, high-quality catering for up to 500 personnel. You will coach Apprentice Chefs, manage stock, budgets and compliance, and drive food safety, menu standards and service excellence across the operation.

The role requires proven Head/Senior Chef experience in contract catering, defence or high-volume hospitality, with strong leadership to build a positive, high-performing

Qualifications

• City & Guilds 706/1 & 706/2, NVQ Level 3 Professional Cookery, or equivalent qualification.
• Proven experience as Head Chef, Executive Chef, or Senior Chef within contract catering, defence, education, healthcare, or high-volume hospitality.
• Experience managing multiple teams or large-scale catering operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the day-to-day operation of five kitchens across the site.
• Ensure all meals are prepared and served in line with agreed menus, dietary requirements, and service standards.
• Manage, coach, and develop kitchen teams, including Apprentice Chefs.
• Create a positive, organised, and high-performing kitchen culture.
• Monitor food quality, presentation, and consistency across all service areas.
• Manage stock ordering, inventory control, and food wastage effectively.
• Ensure all kitchens remain compliant with Food Safety, Health & Safety, and company procedures.
• Maintain audit-ready standards and ensure all cleaning schedules are completed.
• Manage kitchen budgets and support financial performance through effective cost controls.
• Support and deliver catering for site functions and events, with overtime available for additional function work.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Coaching

Stock management

Budgeting and cost control

Food safety / HACCP

Menu development

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 & 706/2, NVQ Level 3 Professional Cookery, or equivalent

Job description

We're looking for an experienced Site Head Chef to lead the catering operation at Bassingbourn Barracks, overseeing multiple kitchen facilities and delivering high-quality food services to a military population of up to 500 personnel. This is an excellent opportunity for a strong culinary leader who thrives in a structured environment and enjoys managing teams, developing junior chefs, and maintaining exceptional standards across a large catering operation. Working alongside Apprentice Chefs and kitchen teams, you'll be responsible for ensuring consistent food quality, compliance, and operational excellence across five kitchens on site.

• Lead and oversee the day-to-day operation of five kitchens across the site
• Ensure all meals are prepared and served in line with agreed menus, dietary requirements, and service standards
• Manage, coach, and develop kitchen teams, including Apprentice Chefs
• Create a positive, organised, and high-performing kitchen culture
• Monitor food quality, presentation, and consistency across all service areas
• Manage stock ordering, inventory control, and food wastage effectively
• Ensure all kitchens remain compliant with Food Safety, Health & Safety, and company procedures
• Maintain audit-ready standards and ensure all cleaning schedules are completed
• Manage kitchen budgets and support financial performance through effective cost controls
• Support and deliver catering for site functions and events, with overtime available for additional function work
• Act as the senior culinary lead on site and build strong relationships with key stakeholders
• City & Guilds 706/1 & 706/2, NVQ Level 3 Professional Cookery, or equivalent qualification
• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Executive Chef, or Senior Chef within contract catering, defence, education, healthcare, or high-volume hospitality
• Experience managing multiple teams or large-scale catering operations
• Strong leadership skills with a passion for coaching and developing others
• Experience managing stock, budgets, food costs, and kitchen compliance
• Ability to remain organised and calm in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent understanding of food safety legislation and HACCP procedures
• Strong communication and people-management skills
• A hands-on approach with a commitment to delivering quality food and service
• 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. £36,000 per annum for a 40-hour contract
• Overtime opportunities available through site functions and events
• Lead a large and varied catering operation serving up to 500 clients daily
• Opportunity to mentor and develop Apprentice Chefs
• Stable and secure contract catering environment
• Career development opportunities within a leading food service provider
• A leadership role with real impact on both team development and service delivery

This is an ideal opportunity for a passionate and experienced chef looking to take ownership of a significant on-site catering operation while developing the next generation of culinary talent. 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
• Unwind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families