ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
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Chef (Part-Time, 16 Hours/Week) – Defence, Government & Energy
About the Role
We are recruiting an ambitious Chef to help us create exceptional food experiences serving Defence, Government, and Energy clients on a part-time basis (16 hours per week, contracted). As a key member of our team, your passion for culinary excellence will directly enhance the day-to-day lives of our customers while being part of a market-leading food service provider in the UK.
As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland and ESS, a dedicated division supporting military, police, secure environments, government facilities, and energy sites, we strive to deliver friendly, high-quality service with a focus on customer satisfaction. Within ESS, we cherish employees who are proactive, openly progressive, and committed to improving our services through their creativity and hustle.
Here’s an overview of what you’ll be doing and who we’re looking for:
Your Shift & Contract Details
- Shift Patterns: Variable shifts
- Contract: 16-hour part-time role (available for flex administration)
Your Key Responsibilities
- Cooking & Service: Prepare and serve delicious, high-quality food that consistently delights clients and customers
- Menu Development: Oversee and implement new menu designs while suggesting cream-boosting ideas
- Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to elevate our food services and capture feedback effectively to push excellence
- Customer Feedback & Service: Act on customer feedback to support a positive brand reputation for Defence, government, and energy clients
- New Concepts: Contribute to brand-new menu ideas and experimental food concepts
- Brand Representation: Uphold the Defence brand with pride, fostering a positive impression among users
- Inventory & Compliance:
- Manage kitchen stock levels for smooth operations
- Oversee hygiene standards, cleaning routines, and kitchen tidiness
- Ensure full compliance with Food Handling, Hygiene, Health, and Safety regulations
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Ideal Candidate Requirements
✅ Enthusiasm & Drive: Passionate about great-tasting food and exceptional customer service ✅ Relevant Qualifications: Hold either:
- City & Guilds 706/1 Level 2 OR 706/2 Level 3 in Professional Cookery
- NVQ equivalent qualification ✅ Team Leadership: Proven experience supervising staff within a kitchen environment ✅ Hands-On Experience: Proven experience in a similar Chef role ✅ Hygiene Compliance: Certified Food Hygiene qualification ✅ Flexibility: Committed to a flexible, adaptable approach (variable shifts included)


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Why Join Us?
An Environment that Values You
EQU enabled by Compass Group UK & Ireland is driven by people—your ideas shape our direction while we support you to thrive. Within a culture of open innovation and growth, you’ll receive continuous support to evolve personally and professionally.
An Inclusive & Empowering Culture
Compass Group UK is a leading employer dedicated to equality, diversity, and inclusive opportunities. Here, you can bring your unique talents, backgrounds, and perspectives to deliver innovative solutions that make a real difference. We believe in "Everyone Belongs"—diversity is our strength, ensuring we remain adaptable, creative, and respectful while championing an environment where every voice is heard and valued.
Job Reference: com/2906/95391001/52801589/R/BU
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