Site Head Chef: Lead Five Kitchens for 500 Guests

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

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