Head Chef

Head Chef – Glenhart Castle

ESS | Compass Group UK & Ireland
📍 Glenhart Castle
💷 £34,827 per annum
🗓 5 days over 7
👨‍🍳 Small, friendly kitchen team of 5

About the Role

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

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Head Chef who enjoys variety, creativity, and a customer-facing environment. You’ll be responsible for delivering a wide range of seasonal and private functions, from relaxed buffet-style dining to elegant silver service banquets, all while creating exceptional dining experiences for our guests.

Normal Working Week

This role benefits from a structured daytime schedule, supporting a strong work–life balance. A typical working week is:

• Monday: 8:30am – 8:30pm

• Tuesday: 8:30am – 8:30pm

• Wednesday: 8:00am – 2:00pm

• Thursday: 8:30am – 1:30pm

• Friday: 8:30am – 1:30pm

You will work 5 days over 7, with some flexibility required to support seasonal events and private functions.

Key Responsibilities

As Head Chef with ESS, you will:

• Lead, motivate, and develop a kitchen team of 5, fostering a positive and collaborative environment

• Prepare and present food to consistently high standards

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

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

• Manage ordering, stock control, and food waste effectively

• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, and company standards

• Plan kitchen rotas and oversee smooth day-to-day kitchen operations

About You

The ideal candidate will:

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

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

• Be confident delivering both buffet-style and silver service dining

• Thrive in a customer-facing role with strong communication skills

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

• Demonstrate strong leadership with a hands-on, supportive approach

Why Join ESS & Compass Group?

• Competitive salary of £34,827 per annum

• Structured working hours with early finishes later in the week

• Work in a unique and prestigious location

• Be part of the UK & Ireland’s leading contract catering company

• Opportunities for career progression, training, and development

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

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.

Job Reference: com/1812/94338001/52781860/SU #Defence

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!