Head Chef – RAF Cranwell£16.65 per hour
37 hours per week | Full-time
We’re looking for an experienced, hands-on Head Chef to lead our catering operation at RAF Cranwell. This is a fantastic opportunity for a strong kitchen leader who enjoys being on the tools, supporting their team, and delivering high-quality food in a fast-paced, structured environment.
You’ll be responsible for daily feeding and function activities, serving up to 300 Service Personnel, while leading and developing a dedicated team.
What you’ll be doingPreparing and delivering high-quality, nutritious meals for Service Personnel ️
Leading from the front in a hands-on Head Chef role
Managing daily feeding and function activities
Supporting, motivating, and developing a team of 12, with 6 direct reports
Ensuring excellent food presentation, consistency, and service standards
Managing food ordering, stock control, and minimising waste ♻️
Maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and safety
Managing budgets and ensuring financial targets are met
Ensuring full compliance with Food Safety and Health & Safety regulations
What we’re looking forProven experience in a Head Chef or Senior Chef role
A hands-on leader who enjoys working alongside their team
Strong organisational and communication skills
The ability to manage a small team effectively and responsibly
Calm under pressure and confident in a high-volume catering environment
Reliable, flexible, and able to adapt to changing weekly schedules
A safety-first mindset with a genuine passion for food
⏰ Hours & Working Pattern37 hours per week
Monday to Friday, typically 08:00–18:00
(hours may vary week to week depending on business needs)
Service times:
Breakfast: 06:15–08:30
Lunch: 11:15–13:15 ️
Evening Meal: 17:00–20:00
Weekend shifts required when the business demands
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, (url removed) 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/0402/(phone number removed)/(phone number removed)/R/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