Head Chef

Head Chef – ESS (Brecon Camp)

Location: Brecon Camp, Wales

Hours: 40 hours per week (5 over 7 – mix of early and late shifts)

Pay: £16.25 per hour

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

• Early: 05:30 – 14:00
• Late: 10:30 – 19:00 (Includes a 30‑minute unpaid break)

As Head Chef with ESS at Brecon Camp you’ll lead a talented kitchen team delivering fresh, high‑quality meals to military personnel and staff. You’ll oversee all aspects of kitchen operations — from daily service to event catering — ensuring every plate meets our high standards.

You’ll manage a team of 14, including 7 direct reports, and play a key role in creating a positive, professional kitchen environment.

• Breakfast: 06:00 – 07:00
• Lunch: 12:15 – 13:30
• Evening Meal: 17:00 – 18:30

• Breakfast: 07:00 – 08:00
• Lunch: 12:15 – 13:00
• Evening Meal: 16:45 – 17:30

• Lead, motivate and develop a team of 14 to deliver excellent food and service
• Plan, prepare and present fresh, nutritious meals for daily and special events
• Manage ordering, stock control and food waste reduction
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health and safety standards
• Support smooth day‑to‑day operations and effective scheduling
• Inspire a culture of teamwork, pride and culinary creativity

You’re an experienced, hands‑on Head Chef who thrives under pressure and leads by example.

• Have previous experience in a Head Chef or similar role (essential)
• Hold relevant catering qualifications (e.g. NVQ, City & Guilds – desirable)
• Be confident managing a large, diverse team in a fast‑paced environment
• Show strong leadership, organisation and communication skills
• Be passionate about delivering high‑quality, seasonal food
• Be flexible to work a mixture of early and late shifts, including weekends

• £16.25 per hour
• 40‑hour working week (5 over
  7)
• Uniform provided
• Free meal on duty
• Free on‑site parking
• Subsidised gym membership
• Located on a bus route – easy to reach
• Career progression within ESS and Compass Group

We ensure you’re rewarded for all your hard work, offering a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Career Pathways and My Learning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia,  and many more
• Discounts on food shops with Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and others
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets
• Cash rewards for spending on a wide range of brands
• Free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• Share all discounts and offers with friends and family

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 provide an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers.

Job Reference: com/1712///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!