Executive Head Chef – MOD Abbey Wood Location: MOD Abbey Wood Monday–Friday | 06:30–15:30⏱ 40 hours per week Salary: £40,319 per annum Full Driving Licence 5 Years UK Residency Required⭐ Experience in a similar role essentialWe are seeking an exceptional Executive Head Chef to lead the complete catering operation across multiple outlets at MOD Abbey Wood. This high‑impact role oversees BOH & FOH operations, hospitality services, and supports our retail café outlets when required. You'll champion food excellence, service quality, and team development across all catering areas.About the RoleAs Executive Head Chef, you will:Lead daily BOH & FOH operations across restaurants, kitchens, hospitality, and occasionally retail cafés.Deliver high‑quality food production and presentation in line with company standards and client expectations.Ensure full compliance with Food Safety, Health & Safety, and all statutory procedures.Maintain spotless kitchen environments, safe equipment, and accurate food safety documentation.Oversee ordering, stock control, waste reduction, and budget adherence.Take full responsibility for hospitality services — menu planning, costing, and delivering exceptional events.Develop, mentor, and inspire your team to reach their full potential, including apprentices and trainees.Manage rotas, labour planning, and team performance to support operational success.Implement and promote menu cycles and continuous improvement initiatives.Role model the ESS Way values and Compass DNA behaviours at all times.About YouProven experience as an Executive Head Chef or Senior Head Chef within multi‑outlet catering.Strong leadership skills with experience building and developing high‑performing teams.A passion for food, customer service, and maintaining exceptional standards.Confident managing both BOH & FOH, hospitality service, and supporting retail cafés.Strong financial awareness with a track record of meeting budgets and performance targets.Well‑organised, adaptable, and able to thrive under pressure.IT literate with excellent communication skills.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:Free mealsOnsite free car parkingContributory 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/1602/99714001/52790905/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!