ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
Chef
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Chef
Head Chef (Defence & Government Food Services) – Full-Time (37.5 hours/week)
About the Role
We’re looking for an enthusiastic Chef to create exceptional food experiences for Defence on a full-time basis, helping our clients brighten their days with market-leading food service in the UK.
This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to progress within a forward-thinking organisation that invests in its people, values individuality, and recognises those who go above and beyond.
Key details:
- Shift pattern: 5 nights out of 7 (flexible schedule)
- Total hours: 37.5 per week
Your Key Responsibilities
As a Full-Time Chef at Defence, your role will include:
- Preparing delicious, high-quality food that delights clients and customers
- Overseeing and implementing menu changes to ensure variety and adaptability
- Identifying opportunities to enhance our food service offerings
- Acting on customer feedback to continually improve our standards
- Supporting the creation of new menus and food concepts with creative flair
- Representing Defence and maintaining a strong brand image at all times
- Monitoring inventory to keep kitchens fully stocked
- Ensuring kitchen cleanliness and hygiene in line with Food Handling, Hygiene and Health & Safety regulations
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
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.
It 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.
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.
Who You Are
To thrive in this role, you’ll need:
Essential Requirements
✔ Passion for food and exceptional service ✔ City & Guilds Level 706/1 & 2 qualification (or equivalent NVQ in Professional Cookery) ✔ Proven experience supervising a team in a culinary setting ✔ Experience in a similar Chef role (preferably within a high-volume or service-orientated environment) ✔ Valid Food Hygiene Certificate ✔ Flexibility to work around shifts (including evenings/nights)
Bonus
✅ Experience in government/contract catering (a plus) ✅ Specialist training in menu planning or flavour development
Benefits
Because we value your hard work, we offer:
Career & Wellbeing
📈 Contributory pension scheme 🚀 Career progression with Career Pathways & MyLearning programmes 🏥 Access to Digital GP for you and your immediate family, plus broader healthcare support
Financial & Lifestyle
$💳 Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com, and more 🛒 Save on groceries with Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons discounts 🎬 Up to 44% off cinema tickets plus cashback rewards for everyday spending 🎁 Free wellness, mindfulness, and exercise classes for relaxation and rejuvenation 💸 Share discounts & offers with friends and family
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Important Notes
📌 This role is contractually based (job reference not detailed here, but available via com/0207/87017001/52809646/R/SU).
About Us
Part of Compass Group UK&I, our ESS division supports Defence, Government and Energy sectors across the UK. We deliver food and services to: ⭐ 250+ military establishments ⭐ High security environments ⭐ Government sites ⭐ Energy sector facilities (on/offshore)
We thrive on positive relationships and excellent customer service—because a friendly, skilled chef makes a genuine difference.
Our Promise
Compass Group UK&I is committed to: 📖 A diverse and inclusive workplace 🔐 Opportunities for all, regardless of background 💫 Encouraging authenticity so you can be your best self at work
We believe in recognising the unique strengths of every team member to help you and our organisation grow and succeed.
#Defence 🚀
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills