ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
Chef
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Chef
Chef – Defence Food Services
Location: UK (Defence/Government Sector) Contract Type: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) Shift Pattern: 5 days per 7
About the Role
We are looking to recruit an ambitious Chef to join Defence, part of Compass Group UK&I, the UK’s market-leading food service company. In this role, you’ll be responsible for creating exceptional food experiences for Defence clients, supporting a team that invests in its people, celebrates individual success, and rewards outstanding performance.
This is an opportunity to progression progress within a dynamic environment, enhancing processes, supporting innovation, and ensuring superior quality and service.
Key Responsibilities
As a Chef at Defence, your role will include:
- Preparing delicious, high-quality food that delights clients and customers
- Overseeing and implementing menu changes to reflect client/customer needs
- Identifying opportunities to improve food services, enhancing efficiency and quality
- Listening to customer feedback and taking proactive action to refine service delivery
- Supporting the creation of new menus and creative food concepts
- Representing Defence and maintaining a positive brand image in all customer interactions
- Monitoring inventories to ensure well-stocked kitchens
- Overseeing kitchen cleaning responsibilities to meet hygiene standards
- Complying with Food Handling, Hygiene and Health and Safety regulations
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Ideal Chef Requirements
We are looking for a passionate Chef with the following qualifications and attributes:
✅ Enthusiastic about exceptional food and customer service ✅ City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ Level 2 equivalent in relevant food preparation ✅ Proven experience supervising a team in a professional kitchen environment ✅ Experience in a similar Chef role, demonstrating leadership and culinary expertise ✅ Valid Food Hygiene certification (essential) ✅ Ability to adapt with a flexible, proactive approach to work
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your career and wellbeing, including:
📈 Contributory pension scheme for financial security 🎓 Career Pathways & MyLearning programmes for professional development 🏥 Digital GP & healthcare benefits for you and your immediate family ✈️ Exclusive travel discounts on TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more 🛒 Discounts on grocery shopping with Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons 🎟️ Up to 44% off cinema tickets for entertainment 💰 Cash rewards when you spend, redeemable across a range of brands 💪 Free wellness, mindfulness & exercise classes to unwind and recharge 👥 Ability to share discounts with friends and family
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About Us
Defence, part of Compass Group UK&I, specialises in food services for the Defence, Government, and Energy sectors. We support:
- 250+ UK military facilities
- High-profile police & secure environments
- Government installations
- Onshore and offshore energy sector facilities
At Defence, we believe a friendly face makes all the difference, so we value team members who share our commitment to delivering outstanding customer service. We foster an inclusive culture where every voice matters, and your uniqueness is celebrated.
Equal Opportunities & Inclusion
Compass Group UK&I is committed to equal opportunities, diversity and embedding a culture of belonging. We actively seek colleagues from all backgrounds, values, ethnicities, and identities to create a dynamic, supportive environment where you can thrive and progress.
Job Reference: com/2606/95096001/52781058/R/SU
#Defence
Apply today and help deliver exceptional food experiences where they matter most!
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