Site Head Chef

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
  
  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
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families