Job Details
Head Chef - Defence
Compass Group UK and Ireland
Expires in 6 days
Overview
As Head Chef with ESS at RNAS Culdrose, you’ll lead from the front in a busy, high-volume kitchen serving around 200 service personnel each day. You’ll manage a dedicated team of 8, including 2 direct reports, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals and an exceptional dining experience across all meal services.
£33,712.20
Per year
Full time, Permanent
(40 hours per week (5 days over 7, rotating early and late shifts))
RNAS Culdrose, Cornwall
Key information
You’ll oversee menu planning, food preparation, and event catering — from daily service to formal dinners, private functions, and seasonal events — while maintaining the highest standards of quality, hygiene, and presentation.
About the role
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate, and develop a team of 8 kitchen staff, fostering a positive, professional working environment.
- Prepare, cook, and present a variety of fresh, high-quality dishes to consistently high standards.
- Deliver catering for seasonal events, private functions, and formal dining — from buffets to silver service.
- Engage directly with customers and service personnel to ensure satisfaction and exceed expectations.
- Manage ordering, stock control, and food waste reduction.
- Maintain compliance with all food hygiene, health, and safety standards.
- Oversee staff rotas and ensure smooth day-to-day kitchen operations.
Part of Compass Group UK and I, ESS is the Defence, Government, and Energy services sector of Compass Group UK and 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/1601/95478001/52774045/R/SU #Defence
Compass Group UK and 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!
Requirements
You’re a confident and experienced culinary professional who leads by example and thrives in a structured, team-focused environment. You take pride in producing great food, leading a motivated team, and managing the demands of a dynamic kitchen.
You will:
- Have proven experience in a Head Chef or Senior Chef role (essential).
- Hold relevant catering qualifications (such as NVQ, City and Guilds – desirable).
- Have experience delivering both buffet-style and silver service dining.
- Demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
- Be creative, adaptable, and passionate about producing high-quality, seasonal dishes.
- Be flexible and proactive in supporting business and operational needs.
Please note: This role is contracted to weeks per year
Disclaimer: We will be interviewing for this role as suitable applications are received and may close this role before the closing date upon a successful candidate being appointed.