Chef

Chef – RAF Cranwell (ESS – Compass Group)

Location: RAF Cranwell
Pay Rate: £14.35 per hour
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Full-time, site-based
Shift Pattern: 5 days over 7 (Early & Late shifts)

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Chef to join our catering team at RAF Cranwell, delivering high-quality meals to approximately 180 Service Personnel each day.

You will play a key role in preparing and serving fresh, nutritious meals across breakfast, lunch, and evening service, working as part of a dedicated team of 8 in a structured and fast-paced military catering environment.

Shift Pattern

Early Shift: 06:00 – 14:00
Late Shift: 12:00 – 20:00
Working 5 days out of 7

Please note: Reduced shift pattern during the Christmas season.

Meal Service Times

Breakfast: 06:00 – 08:00
Lunch: 12:00 – 13:00
Evening Meal: 18:30 – 20:00

The Team

You’ll be part of a supportive and well-organised team of 8, working collaboratively to maintain high food quality, safety standards, and excellent service delivery.

What We’re Looking For

✅ Previous experience in a similar chef or catering role – essential
🎓 Relevant qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 2 or equivalent) – desirable
🍽 Strong knowledge of food hygiene and health & safety standards
🤝 Team player with a positive and reliable approach
⏱ Flexibility to work early and late shifts

What We Offer

✨ £14.35 per hour (37 hours per week)
⏰ Opportunities for overtime
🍴 Free meals while on shift
🚗 Free on-site parking
👕 Uniform provided
💪 Reduced gym membership available
🎄 Reduced shift pattern over the Christmas period
📈 Career development and training opportunities with ESS – Compass Group
🤍 Stable working environment within a supportive team

We're currently recruiting an ambitious Chef to help us create exceptional food experiences for Defence on a full time basis contracted to 37 hours per week. As a Chef, you will be responsible for preparing and serving the kind of food that truly brightens our clients' and customers' days, all within the market-leading food service company in the UK. You'll get given every opportunity to progress within a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate.

Here's an idea of what your shift patterns will be: Variable shifts

Could you bring your passion and culinary skill to Defence? Here's what you need to know before applying:

Your key responsibilities will include: 

• Preparing delicious, high-quality food that delights our clients and customers
• Overseeing and implementing menu changes
• Identifying opportunities to improve our food services
• Listening and acting on customer feedback to consistently improve our food services
• Supporting with the creation of new menus and creative food concepts
• Representing Defence and maintaining a positive brand image
• Monitoring inventories to keep our kitchens well-stocked
• Overseeing kitchen cleaning responsibilities to maintain hygiene standards
• Complying with Food Handling, Hygiene and Health and Satefty regulations

Our ideal Chef will:

• Be passionate about great-tasting food and exceptional customer service
• Hold a City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent
• Have experience supervising a team
• Have experience in a similar Chef role
• Hold a Food Hygiene certificate
• Have a flexible approach to working

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/2702/95101001/52222037/BU #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!