Unit Manager -Compass Group UK & Ireland

We're looking for an exceptional Unit Manager to join our ESS team and drive outstanding food and service delivery for our clients and customers. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and takes pride in creating a safe, efficient, high‑quality operation every day.

As Unit Manager, you'll be the driving force behind our unit's performance-leading by example and living our ESS Way values. You will:

• Champion a strong Health & Safety and Food Safety culture, ensuring full compliance and maintaining all required documentation.
• Oversee the cleanliness, safety and maintenance of the kitchen and service areas, reporting hazards, near misses and equipment faults promptly.
• Manage daily food service delivery, ensuring great‑quality meals, consistent standards, and an outstanding customer experience.
• Lead, motivate and develop your team, conducting regular meetings and embedding Compass DNA behaviours at a 'Managing' level.
• Recruit, train and nurture your people-supporting apprentices, developing talent pipelines, and driving a positive team culture.
• Manage labour, budgets and stock levels effectively, completing all weekly finance, ordering, invoice checks and compliance paperwork accurately and on time.
• Deliver effective menu management, food production planning and waste control in line with FPP guidelines.
• Build strong client relationships through proactive communication, service excellence and continual improvement.
• Attend meetings, forums and development sessions, sharing best practice and supporting operational success across the contract.

You'll be a confident, engaging leader with a passion for food and people. You will also have:

• Experience supervising or managing teams in a catering or hospitality environment.
• A proven ability to deliver against financial targets and operational KPIs.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive client and team relationships.
• City & Guilds 706/1, 706/2, 706/3 or NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) and Level 3 Food Hygiene.
• At least 2 years' experience as a Head Chef or similar role.
• Good IT skills and a proactive, solution‑focused attitude.

If you're ready to lead a high‑performing team, deliver great food, and make a real impact for our customers and clients, we'd love to hear from you.

• 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/0203/87000001/52692461/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!