Site Head Chef - Bassingbourn Barracks 

Salary: £36,000 per annum
40 Hours per Week | Overtime Available for Functions

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.

Key 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
• Act as the senior culinary lead on site and build strong relationships with key stakeholders

What We're Looking For

• 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

Why Apply?

• £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
• 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!