Job Introduction
Head Chef – Gibraltar Barracks, Minley
Salary: £39,460 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week | 5 days out of 7
Shift Pattern: A mixture of early and late shifts
Early: 06:00 – 14:30
Late: 12:00 – 20:00
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Head Chef to lead the day-to-day catering operation at Gibraltar Barracks, Minley. This is a hands-on leadership role, responsible for delivering high-quality food across daily services, functions, and events, while running and developing a skilled kitchen team.
You will have strong financial acumen, ensuring budgets, stock, and food costs are effectively managed, while maintaining excellent service standards.
Service Times
Breakfast: 07:00 – 09:00
Lunch: 12:00 – 14:00
Evening Meal: 18:45 – 19:45
Key Responsibilities
Lead and manage the kitchen team, creating a positive, inclusive, and professional working environment
Support, train, and develop your team to reach their full potential
Deliver delicious, high-quality food that delights clients and customers
Oversee day-to-day catering operations, including feeding, functions, and events
Drive continuous improvement in food quality, presentation, and service
Manage ordering, stock control, food waste, and cost control
Take full ownership of budgets and successfully meet financial targets
Ensure all food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards are met
Maintain high standards of cleanliness and kitchen organisation
Represent Compass Group UK&I with a strong and positive brand presence
About You
Proven experience in a similar Head Chef role
Strong leadership skills with the ability to run, motivate, and develop a team
Excellent financial acumen with experience managing budgets and costs
A confident communicator who builds strong working relationships
Passionate about food and delivering excellence
Able to work calmly and effectively under pressure
Proactive, organised, and decisive with a customer-focused mindset
Reliable, punctual, and committed to high standards
A safety-first approach at all times
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:
- 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
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Regular emails filled with the best discounts and savings available
- 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
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
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.
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!