Head Chef – Royal Marines Stonehouse, PlymouthSalary: £32,612 per annumHours: 37.5 hours per weekContract: Full-time | 5 days out of 7 (shifts between 06:30 and 20:00)We are recruiting an experienced Head Chef to lead a catering operation at Royal Marines Stonehouse, Plymouth. This is an excellent opportunity for a strong contract catering professional who thrives in a structured environment, enjoys leading from the front, and is passionate about developing a high-performing team.You will take full ownership of the kitchen, managing a team and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals in line with military catering standards.What you'll be doingPreparing and delivering high-quality, nutritious meals to Service PersonnelLeading a hands-on kitchen operation and setting standards through exampleManaging daily catering activities in line with contractual and operational requirementsLine managing, coaching, and developing the teamSupporting team training and driving continuous improvement and capabilityOverseeing food ordering, stock control, and waste managementEnsuring consistently high food presentation and service standardsMaintaining full compliance with Food Safety and Health & Safety regulationsManaging kitchen audits, documentation, and compliance processesWhat we're looking forProven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef, ideally within contract cateringExperience managing and developing kitchen teamsStrong knowledge of stock control, ordering, and auditing proceduresA confident trainer with the ability to develop and motivate othersWell-organised, calm, and comfortable working within a structured environmentFlexible, reliable, and able to adapt to operational needsAble to commute reliably to Royal Marines Stonehouse, PlymouthWe 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 schemeGrow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmesQuick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefitsExclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many moreSave money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury\'s, Morrisons and many moreUp to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbusterReceive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brandsUn-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classesYou can share all discounts and offers with your friends and familiesAbout UsPart 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/1905/95459001/52712754/SU DefenceCompass 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!