Overview

Salary: £33712 per annum

Shift hours: Full Time

Head Chef – ESS (RNAS Culdrose)
Location: RNAS Culdrose, Cornwall
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week (5 days over 7, rotating early and late shifts)
Salary: £33,721 per annum
Additional Hours: Occasional weekends required depending on business needs, particularly during seasonal functions and operational demands.

About the Role

As Head Chef with ESS at RNAS Culdrose, you’ll lead from the front in a busy, high-volume kitchen serving around 200 service personnel each day. You’ll manage a dedicated team of 8, including 2 direct reports, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals and an exceptional dining experience across all meal services.

You’ll oversee menu planning, food preparation, and event catering — from daily service to formal dinners, private functions, and seasonal events — while maintaining the highest standards of quality, hygiene, and presentation.

Meal Service Times

Monday–Friday

  • Breakfast: 06:45 – 08:15

  • Lunch: 11:00 – 13:15

  • Evening Meal: 17:00 – 19:00

  • Bar Meal Service: 19:00 – 21:15

Weekend

  • Breakfast: 07:00 – 08:00

  • Lunch: 11:00 – 12:30

  • Evening Meal: 17:00 – 18:30

Shift Pattern (5 days over 7):

  • Early: 05:00 – 13:30

  • Late: 15:00 – 19:30
    Shifts will be scheduled across weekdays and weekends, depending on the needs of the business.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead, motivate, and develop a team of 8 kitchen staff, fostering a positive, professional working environment.

  • Prepare, cook, and present a variety of fresh, high-quality dishes to consistently high standards.

  • Deliver catering for seasonal events, private functions, and formal dining — from buffets to silver service.

  • Engage directly with customers and service personnel to ensure satisfaction and exceed expectations.

  • Manage ordering, stock control, and food waste reduction.

  • Maintain compliance with all food hygiene, health, and safety standards.

  • Oversee staff rotas and ensure smooth day-to-day kitchen operations.

About You

You’re a confident and experienced culinary professional who leads by example and thrives in a structured, team-focused environment. You take pride in producing great food, leading a motivated team, and managing the demands of a dynamic kitchen.

You will:

  • Have proven experience in a Head Chef or Senior Chef role (essential).

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

  • Have experience delivering both buffet-style and silver service dining.

  • Demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.

  • Be creative, adaptable, and passionate about producing high-quality, seasonal dishes.

  • Be flexible and proactive in supporting business and operational needs.

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/1612/95478001/52774045/R/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!

Reference: com/1612/95478001/52774045/R/SU

Location: Helston

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