Head Chef – Bassingbourn Barracks
Pay: £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 Role
We 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 Times
* Breakfast: 06:30 – 08:00
* Lunch: 12:15 – 13:30
* Evening Meal: 17:30 – 18:30
Team Structure
* Leading a team of approximately 10 staff
* Responsibility for 5 kitchens, each with a Sous Chef
* Supporting training, mentoring, and development of apprentices
Key Responsibilities
* Lead 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 You
* Essential: 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, Booking.com 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/0402/96047001/52685958/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!