Head Chef Rolls-Royce Learning & Development Centre, SinFin, DerbySalary: £37,900 per annum

Are you a passionate Head Chef who loves combining culinary creativity with exceptional hospitality?

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the kitchen at the prestigious Rolls-Royce Learning & Development Centre SinFin, a flagship location welcoming visitors and delegates from around the world.

Reporting directly to the Group Manager, you'll play a key role in shaping the food offer across a diverse operation, from premium hospitality and fine dining experiences to innovative retail and café concepts. This is a role where you'll have the freedom to influence menus, build client relationships, develop your team, and make a real impact on the overall guest experience.

What Makes This Role Special?

• Work within a world-class environment at one of our most prestigious client locations.
• Lead culinary delivery for one of our flagship hospitality operations, playing a key role in conferences, fine dining and high-profile events.
• Be at the heart of high-profile conferences, events, executive dining and special celebrations.
• Collaborate closely with clients and stakeholders to create memorable food experiences.
• Influence hospitality menu development, innovation and food trends.
• Work alongside an experienced leadership team committed to excellence and development.
• Monday to Friday business with a strong focus on hospitality and premium service.

The Role

As Head Chef, you'll be responsible for leading the kitchen operation, inspiring your team and ensuring every food experience exceeds expectations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing a talented kitchen team.
• Designing and delivering innovative seasonal menus.
• Working closely with clients to create bespoke hospitality experiences.
• Managing food cost control, menu pricing and kitchen performance.
• Maintaining exceptional food quality, presentation and service standards.
• Driving food safety, compliance and health & safety excellence.
• Supporting wider catering initiatives and sharing best practice across multiple locations.
• Building a positive, high-performing kitchen culture focused on continuous improvement.

About You

We're looking for someone who combines strong culinary expertise with excellent leadership and relationship-building skills.

You'll ideally have:

• Experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef or Executive Chef within hospitality, contract catering, hotels or premium foodservice environments.
• A passion for hospitality and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
• Strong people leadership skills with the ability to coach and develop teams.
• Experience creating and costing menus.
• Excellent organisational and IT skills.
• Sound financial awareness and commercial understanding.
• A strong focus on food safety, compliance and operational excellence.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone with personality, energy and a genuine passion for creating exceptional food experiences. Technical skills matter, but your ability to inspire others and build great relationships is what will really set you apart.

Why Join Us?

This isn't just another Head Chef position. It's an opportunity to work in a high-profile environment where food plays a central role in creating exceptional experiences. You'll have the chance to showcase your creativity, influence the food journey, and work with clients and guests from across the globe while developing your career within a supportive and ambitious team.

If you're looking for a Head Chef role that offers creativity, autonomy, stakeholder engagement and the chance to be part of something truly special, we'd love to hear from you.

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/0311/41737001/52656662/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!