Chef - Chicksands JITG Officers Mess (ESS - Compass Group)
Location: Chicksands
Pay Rate: £15.75 per hour
Hours: 37.5 per week (full-time, site-based)
Shift Pattern: 5 days over 7 - working one weekend in five
About the Role
ESS - Compass Group is seeking a skilled and motivated Chef to join our catering team at the JITG Officers Mess, Chicksands. You will be responsible for preparing and serving high-quality meals in a fast-paced environment, delivering an excellent dining experience for Service Personnel and officers.

Working across three kitchens, you’ll support daily service for up to 200 personnel per meal, including breakfast, lunch, and evening service. Flexibility, teamwork, and a proactive approach are essential.
Shift Pattern

• Early: 06:00 - 13:30
  
• Late: 12:00 - 21:00
  
• Weekends: One in five
  

Meal Service TimesMonday-Friday

• Breakfast: 06:45 - 08:30
  
• Lunch: 11:45 - 13:30
  
• Evening Meal: 17:00 - 20:45
  

Weekends

• Breakfast: 07:30 - 09:00
  
• Lunch: 12:00 - 13:00
  
• Evening Meal: 17:00 - 18:30
  

What We’re Looking For

• ✔️ Previous experience in a chef or catering role (essential)
  
• ✔️ Relevant qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 2) - desirable
  
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene and kitchen safety
  
• Ability to work effectively in a busy, team-oriented environment
  
• Flexible, reliable, and positive attitude
  

What We Offer

• ✨ £15.75 per hour / 37.5 hours per week
  
• Free meals while on shift
  
• Free on-site parking
  
• Uniforms provided
  
• Opportunities for training and career development with ESS - Compass Group
  
• Supportive team culture and a stable, rewarding working environment
  

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/1011/95198001/52712422/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!