Location: RAF Cosford, WV7 3EX
Salary: £38,191 per annum
Hours: 39 hours per week
Working Pattern: Mainly Monday–Friday (occasional weekends / late finishes)
Looking for a senior chef role with real work–life balance?
ESS are recruiting a Site Executive Chef to lead catering operations at RAF Cosford, a large, fully operational military site serving 800–1,000 meals daily across multiple kitchens.
Most ESS Military sites operate on single shifts – no split shifts and no regular late nights.
Service Times
* Breakfast: 06:00 – 08:00
* Lunch: 11:30 – 13:30
* Evening Meal: 16:30 – 20:00
The Role
* Hands‑on leadership across multiple kitchens
* Menu planning aligned with ESS frameworks and customer needs
* Maintain food quality, consistency, and presentation
* Lead, develop, and inspire a team of around 15
* Deliver functions and events as required
* Ensure full compliance with HACCP, food safety, and allergen management
* Drive GP, labour, and food cost targets
* Use catering systems effectively – computer literacy essential
* Support apprenticeships, career pathways, and the Junior Chef Academy
* Flexible approach to meet operational needs
About You
* Proven experience in a similar high-volume, multi‑kitchen role (essential)
* Strong leadership and people development skills
* Passion for food and developing future talent
* Calm, organised, and adaptable
* Confident with systems, stock control, and reporting
* Strong understanding of food costing, margins, and budgeting
What’s in It for You?
* Excellent work–life balance
* Mainly Monday–Friday working
* No split shifts / no regular late nights
* Free meal on shift
* Training, apprenticeships & clear career pathways
* Opportunities to work on large-scale events
* Perks for Work benefits platform
* Genuine progression opportunities within ESS
Benefits
* Free meals
* Onsite free car parking
* 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.
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!
#J-18808-Ljbffr