Head Chef – Glenart Castle (ESS, Compass Group UK & Ireland)
Glenhart Castle
£32,651 per annum
5 days over 7
Small, friendly kitchen team of 5
About the Role
ESS, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, is looking for a talented and passionate Head Chef to lead our small and friendly team at Glenhart Castle.
In this role, you'll be responsible for delivering a wide variety of seasonal and private functions — from relaxed buffet-style dining to elegant silver service banquets — all while creating exceptional experiences for our guests in a welcoming, customer-facing environment.
Key Responsibilities
As Head Chef with ESS, you will:
* Lead and motivate a team of 5, creating a supportive and collaborative kitchen environment
* Prepare and present a range of dishes to consistently high standards
* Deliver food for seasonal events, private functions, and banquets, from buffets to silver service
* Work directly with customers to ensure their dining experience exceeds expectations
* Oversee ordering, stock control, and food waste management
* Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene, health, and safety compliance
* Manage kitchen schedules and ensure smooth day-to-day operations
About You
Our ideal Head Chef will:
* Hold relevant professional catering qualifications (e.g., NVQ or City & Guilds)
* Have proven experience leading a small kitchen team in a similar environment
* Be confident delivering both buffet and silver service dining
* Thrive in a customer-facing role, with excellent communication skills
* Be creative, organised, and passionate about seasonal, high-quality food
* Demonstrate strong leadership and a hands-on approach
Why Join ESS?
At ESS, we are proud to serve those who serve the nation. We deliver high-quality catering and hospitality services across Defence, Government, and Energy sectors. As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, you'll benefit from industry-leading training, career progression opportunities, and the chance to be part of a global organisation that truly values its people.