Head Chef – ESS (Brecon Camp)
Location: Brecon Camp, Wales
Hours: 40 hours per week (5 over 7 – mix of earlies and lates)
Pay: £16.25 per hour
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
️ Shift Patterns:
* Early: 05:30 – 14:00
* Late: 10:30 – 19:00
(Includes a 30-minute unpaid break)
About the Role
As Head Chef with ESS at Brecon Camp, you’ll lead a talented kitchen team delivering fresh, high-quality meals to military personnel and staff. You’ll oversee all aspects of kitchen operations — from daily service to event catering — ensuring every plate meets our high standards.
You’ll manage a team of 14, including 7 direct reports, and play a key role in creating a positive, professional kitchen environment.
Meal Service Times:
Monday to Friday
* Breakfast: 06:00 – 07:00
* Lunch: 12:15 – 13:30
* Evening Meal: 17:00 – 18:30
Weekends
* Breakfast: 07:00 – 08:00
* Lunch: 12:15 – 13:00
* Evening Meal: 16:45 – 17:30
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, motivate, and develop a team of 14 to deliver excellent food and service
* Plan, prepare, and present fresh, nutritious meals for daily and special events
* Manage ordering, stock control, and food waste reduction
* Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health, and safety standards
* Support smooth day-to-day operations and effective scheduling
* Inspire a culture of teamwork, pride, and culinary creativity
⭐ About You
You’re an experienced, hands-on Head Chef who thrives under pressure and leads by example.
You will:
* Have previous experience in a Head Chef or similar role (essential)
* Hold relevant catering qualifications (e.g. NVQ, City & Guilds – desirable)
* Be confident managing a large, diverse team in a fast-paced environment
* Show strong leadership, organisation, and communication skills
* Be passionate about delivering high-quality, seasonal food
* Be flexible to work a mixture of early and late shifts, including weekends
What We Offer
✅ £16.25 per hour
✅ 40-hour working week (5 over 7)
✅ Uniform provided
✅ Free meal on duty
✅ Free on-site parking
✅ Subsidised gym membership
✅ Located on a bus route – easy to reach
✅ Career progression within ESS and Compass Group
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
Please note: This role is contracted to weeks per year
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.