Head Chef – Bassingbourn BarracksPay: £17.30 per hour
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Core Shift: 07:00 – 15:30
Flexibility: Required to support functions and special events
About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced and driven Head Chef to lead catering operations at RAF Bassingbourn. This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing multiple kitchens, managing a skilled team, and maintaining high standards across all services.
You will oversee five kitchens, each supported by a Sous Chef, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and quality across the operation. A key focus of the role is developing apprentices and supporting team progression.
Service TimesBreakfast: 06:30 – 08:00
Lunch: 12:15 – 13:30
Evening Meal: 17:30 – 18:30
Team StructureLeading a team of approximately 10 staff
Responsibility for 5 kitchens, each with a Sous Chef
Supporting training, mentoring, and development of apprentices
Key ResponsibilitiesLead and coordinate day-to-day catering operations across multiple kitchens
Deliver consistently high-quality food and service
Manage, support, and develop kitchen teams
Mentor apprentices and support workforce development
Maintain food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards
Oversee ordering, stock control, and cost management
Support and deliver catering for functions and events as required
Maintain a positive and professional working environment
About YouEssential: Experience in a similar Head Chef or senior kitchen leadership role
Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams
Experience managing multiple kitchen operations
Strong organisational and operational skills
Passionate about food quality and service delivery
Reliable, proactive, and able to work under pressure
Flexible to support operational needs and functions
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)/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