Head Chef – RAF Cranwell£16.65 per hour37 hours per week | Full-timeWe're looking for an experienced, hands-on Head Chef to lead our catering operation at RAF Cranwell. This is a fantastic opportunity for a strong kitchen leader who enjoys being on the tools, supporting their team, and delivering high-quality food in a fast-paced, structured environment.You'll be responsible for daily feeding and function activities, serving up to 300 Service Personnel, while leading and developing a dedicated team. What you'll be doingPreparing and delivering high-quality, nutritious meals for Service Personnel ️Leading from the front in a hands-on Head Chef roleManaging daily feeding and function activitiesSupporting, motivating, and developing a team of 12, with 6 direct reportsEnsuring excellent food presentation, consistency, and service standardsManaging food ordering, stock control, and minimising waste ♻️Maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and safety Managing budgets and ensuring financial targets are met Ensuring full compliance with Food Safety and Health & Safety regulations What we're looking forProven experience in a Head Chef or Senior Chef roleA hands-on leader who enjoys working alongside their teamStrong organisational and communication skillsThe ability to manage a small team effectively and responsiblyCalm under pressure and confident in a high-volume catering environmentReliable, flexible, and able to adapt to changing weekly schedulesA safety-first mindset with a genuine passion for food⏰ Hours & Working Pattern37 hours per weekMonday to Friday, typically 08:00–18:00(hours may vary week to week depending on business needs)Service times:Breakfast: 06:15–08:30 Lunch: 11:15–13:15 ️Evening Meal: 17:00–20:00 Weekend shifts required when the business demandsWe 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/0801/95098001/52745016/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!