Temporary Relief School Head Chef Required in the Hampshire Area (Over 18, Enhanced DBS)

Lead. Create. Inspire.

This isn’t just another chef role. This is your opportunity to take charge of busy school kitchens, lead a team, potentially support existing Kitchen managers, and craft meals that make a real difference in children’s lives. If you have head chef-level experience, a passion for operational excellence, and a love for creating nutritious, high-quality food, this is the role for you.

The Opportunity:

Take full control of busy school kitchens in the Hampshire area. You will lead the team, manage operations, control stock, and deliver meals that make a real difference. Your ideas will influence menus, your standards will set the bar, and your leadership will drive success. This could be working at a single school or a number of different schools.

Schools You Could Be Working In:

We have a large number of schools in the Hampshire that require short term support from 6 to 12 weeks. However the more flexible you are as a candidate the more work is available as you move across the area.

Hours:

As required, Monday - Friday typically a 5–6 hour day between 08:00 am and 14:00 pm, offering you a great work–life balance.

What You Will Do:

• Lead, motivate, and mentor a small team, creating a high-performing kitchen culture.
• Plan, prepare, and deliver nutritious, high-quality meals that exceed expectations.
• Take charge of stock management, ordering, and cost control.
• Maintain top-tier hygiene, safety, and compliance standards.
• Innovate menus and introduce creative dishes that excite students and staff alike.

What We’re Looking For:

• Head chef-level experience or equivalent senior kitchen experience.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Exceptional organisation, stock, and budget management abilities.
• Passion for delivering amazing food and maintaining impeccable hygiene.
• Over 18 years old.
• Enhanced DBS preferred – Compass Group can provide this for the right candidate.

Presentation & Hygiene:

We uphold a high standard of personal presentation and hygiene to maintain a professional image. Team members are expected to have excellent personal hygiene, wear minimal and natural-looking makeup, and keep jewellery simple and discreet. Facial piercings and visible body modifications (such as facial tattoos or other prominent body art) should not be visible while on duty.

About Compass Group:

At Compass Group, we don’t just serve food—we create experiences. As the world’s leading foodservice provider, we deliver fresh, inspiring meals across schools, shaping healthier, happier futures. We invest in our people, embrace innovation, and value leadership. Your expertise will be recognised, your creativity celebrated, and your impact felt every day.

What Compass Group Offers:

• Competitive salary reflecting your experience and responsibility.
• A supportive, professional environment with real career progression.
• Compass Exclusive Benefits for our staff.
• Lifestyle Benefits “Perks” Platform to make your life easier and more enjoyable.
• Health & Wellbeing Support Programmes, including access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to training, development programs, and recognition schemes.
• The chance to lead a kitchen that truly matters, shaping children’s lives with every meal.

Step into a role where your skills are valued, your creativity celebrated, and your leadership makes a difference.

Apply today, it only takes a few minutes to complete.

Previous applicants need not apply