Site Head Chef

Compass Group; Bassingbourn cum Kneesworth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A major catering service provider is seeking an experienced Head Chef for RAF Bassingbourn. In this senior leadership role, you will manage multiple kitchens, lead a team of around 10 staff, and maintain high service standards. Key responsibilities include overseeing day-to-day operations, mentoring apprentices, and ensuring food safety standards. This position offers a competitive pay of £17.30 per hour and engaging career development opportunities.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programmes

Healthcare benefits

Travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards for spending

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar Head Chef or senior kitchen leadership role.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams.
• Experience managing multiple kitchen operations.
• Strong organisational and operational skills.
• Passionate about food quality and service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate day-to-day catering operations across multiple kitchens.
• Deliver consistently high-quality food and service.
• Manage, support, and develop kitchen teams.
• Mentor apprentices and support workforce development.
• Maintain food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards.
• Oversee ordering, stock control, and cost management.

Skills

Team leadership

Operational management

Food quality

Organisational skills

Job description

Overview

Role: Head Chef – Bassingbourn Barracks

Pay: £17.30 per hour

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Core Shift: 07:00 – 15:30

Flexibility: Required to support functions and special events

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and driven Head Chef to lead catering operations at RAF Bassingbourn. This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing multiple kitchens, managing a skilled team, and maintaining high standards across all services.

You will oversee five kitchens, each supported by a Sous Chef, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and quality across the operation. A key focus of the role is developing apprentices and supporting team progression.

Service Times

• Breakfast: 06:30 – 08:00
• Lunch: 12:15 – 13:30
• Evening Meal: 17:30 – 18:30

Team Structure

• Leading a team of approximately 10 staff
• Responsibility for 5 kitchens, each with a Sous Chef
• Supporting training, mentoring, and development of apprentices

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate day-to-day catering operations across multiple kitchens
• Deliver consistently high-quality food and service
• Manage, support, and develop kitchen teams
• Mentor apprentices and support workforce development
• Maintain food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards
• Oversee ordering, stock control, and cost management
• Support and deliver catering for functions and events as required
• Maintain a positive and professional working environment

About You

• Essential: Experience in a similar Head Chef or senior kitchen leadership role
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams
• Experience managing multiple kitchen operations
• Strong organisational and operational skills
• Passionate about food quality and service delivery
• Reliable, proactive, and able to work under pressure
• Flexible to support operational needs and functions

Benefits

• 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/0402/96047001/52685958/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!