Head Chef

Glenhart Castle
£32,651 per annum
5 days over 7
‍ Small, friendly kitchen team of 5

ESS, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, is looking for a talented and passionate Head Chef to lead our small and friendly team at Glenhart Castle.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for delivering a wide variety of seasonal and private functions — from relaxed buffet-style dining to elegant silver service banquets — all while creating exceptional experiences for our guests in a welcoming, customer-facing environment.

As Head Chef with ESS, you will:

• Lead and motivate a team of 5, creating a supportive and collaborative kitchen environment

• Prepare and present a range of dishes to consistently high standards

• Deliver food for seasonal events, private functions, and banquets, from buffets to silver service

• Work directly with customers to ensure their dining experience exceeds expectations

• Oversee ordering, stock control, and food waste management

• Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene, health, and safety compliance

• Manage kitchen schedules and ensure smooth day-to-day operations

Our ideal Head Chef will:

• Hold relevant professional catering qualifications (e.g., NVQ or City & Guilds)

• Have proven experience leading a small kitchen team in a similar environment

• Be confident delivering both buffet and silver service dining

• Thrive in a customer-facing role, with excellent communication skills

• Be creative, organised, and passionate about seasonal, high-quality food

• Demonstrate strong leadership and a hands-on approach

At ESS, we are proud to serve those who serve the nation. We deliver high-quality catering and hospitality services across Defence, Government, and Energy sectors. As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, you’ll benefit from industry-leading training, career progression opportunities, and the chance to be part of a global organisation that truly values its people.