Work for Compass Group UK & I

Introduction to Compass Group UK & I

Unleash your potential. Join our team.

Hello, we’re Compass Group UK & Ireland, a team of 45,000 brilliant people delivering the very best food, experiences, and services to 6000+ sites across the country.

We get to work at some of the most amazing places. Think iconic sports stadiums and historical sites, world-class music venues, and cutting-edge workplaces. We’re there, working side by side with NHS teams to support patients in their time of need, fuelling the armed forces, and partnering with schools, colleges, and universities; inspiring our future generation through nutritious food and memorable experiences.

We’re truly people-powered.

Yes, we know, companies say that all the time, but for us, without our people, we wouldn’t be the industry leader that we are today. So whilst we’re proud to be the UK and Ireland’s top contract catering, hospitality, and business support services provider, joining us is about more than getting on board with the no. 1 team. It’s about giving yourself the very best shot at a fulfilling career.

Watch our video to get an insight into our brands and some of the great clients that we work with.

Why we’re working with Rest Less

We want people to be confident that they can be themselves at work, whatever their race, gender, sexual orientation, age, nationality, or disability. Because for us, diversity and individuality are gifts that enable us to create a culture where everyone can share their ideas, develop their talents, and perform at their best. When our people are happy, our clients and guests are happy too: it’s a win-win.

Why work with Compass Group UK & I

We match incredible individuals to rewarding roles and cultivate environments where all our people can be themselves, develop their skills, and let their personalities and passions shine through. To do this, we work hard to create a workforce that represents the rich diversity of the customers and clients we serve, as well as our society, because we believe that organisations with better diversity are better places to be and work.

Our size and scale provide opportunities to work nationally and internationally. It also means we can be flexible on location, hours, and family commitments; providing excellent tools and training, competitive salaries, and an extensive benefits package. So whether you want to join our brigade of awesome chefs, be part of our specialist teams in finance, marketing, or procurement, or you’re looking for rewarding part-time work at one of our sites or in our offices, there really is a career for every taste.

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

Save money on your food shop with discounts with major supermarkets
Regular emails filled with the best discounts and savings available
Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more

Take a look at our video to learn more about our Compass people commitments.

Find your perfect opportunity at Compass Group UK & I

Real-life stories

Changing your career track or transferring to a new company needn’t be daunting. We asked some of our valued team to tell us about their experiences of working at Compass Group UK & I. We hope they inspire you too.

Paul Channon - Assistant Chef

I have been in the catering industry for about 45 years, initially training in Switzerland, I then went on to work as a chef in hotels before joining the Merchant Navy as a chef on cruise ships for 12 years. Latterly I’ve worked as a Chef Manager in care homes, and in independent schools as a Site Manager, Chef Manager and Relief Manager.

I am approaching my 66th year in July (2023), and decided it was time to take a step back so I could have a better balance between work and home life. I decided to apply for the Assistant Chef role at a school five miles from my home which is ideal for me, and the hours I work give me the flexibility that I need. I support the Chef Manager on a day-to-day basis, helping them with the lunch service and preparing the hot and cold desserts for the lunch menu as well as the salad bar.

I’ve only been in my role a short time but I’m really enjoying the job that I do: the school and staff are very friendly, and I’ve already built up a good rapport with the students. The people I work with are also great and the Compass induction programme is second to none. It is rewarding to work for a company that values its employees and I’m looking forward to passing on my knowledge and experience to the team.

Pearl Roberts - Kitchen Assistant

I have worked at my school for 26 years and joined Compass when they won the catering contract in December 2022. I work in the school kitchen, starting work at 5pm with a team briefing that includes details of what’s on the current menus as well as any allergens or special diets to be aware of. I then set up for supper on the counter and get the front of house ready ensuring everything is prepared on the tables. The boys come in at 5.30pm. It’s a busy time and I’m serving constantly until approximately 6.30pm. I then help clear the tables and counters and clean the dining room so it’s ready for breakfast, finishing work at 7.30pm.

The hours I work give me the right flexibility and balance between work and home life. I’ve been at the school for so many years, my colleagues are now friends; I enjoy the banter, and learning new techniques keeps my brain active. Over the years I’ve also developed good relationships with the teachers and pupils: talking to them every day feels like a natural part of my daily routine now and not really like work at all.

Pearl Lever - Catering Assistant

I’ve worked for Compass for five years and for the last two years, I’ve been a catering assistant in a school. My role is really varied: I work closely with two other colleagues and we change the jobs that we do each week to make the work varied and fair. One week, I’ll start my morning preparing salads for the salad counter, another week I’ll be setting up tables for lunch, and the next I’ll be serving the children their lunch or cleaning up after service.

The people l work with are all very friendly and l love getting to know the children. The job suits me perfectly: I work six hours a day and don’t have far to travel – I love coming home from work and cooking delicious healthy food for my family.

I also get weekends off as well as school holidays, so I have time to spend in my garden, eating out with family and friends, and going on holiday so I can spend time in the sun!

Example roles at Compass Group UK & I

Catering Assistant

Our Catering Assistants contribute to a passionate and friendly team working in fast-paced environments. Our colleagues are given every opportunity to progress within a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises those who go beyond the plate.

With a can-do attitude, passion for excellent customer service and team working skills, our Catering Assistants spend time:

Preparing delicious, high-quality food that delights our clients and customers
Creating attractive food and counter displays
Representing Compass and maintaining a positive brand image
Handling cash and operating the cash register

Receptionist

Our Receptionists work in a welcoming team to ensure that all staff and visitors are greeted and dealt with in a warm and efficient manner. With a passion for delivering excellent customer service, great verbal and written communication skills, and fantastic organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks, our Receptionists spend time:

Creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all staff and visitors
Answering all incoming calls in a friendly manner
Providing administrative support across a diverse range of areas
Representing Compass Group UK&I and maintaining a positive brand image

Porter (Hospitals, Independent Schools, Defence sites)

Delivering outstanding customer service for patients, visitors and healthcare staff, hospital Porters play a vital role in keeping a hospital operating.

With great communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, individually and as part of a team, our Porters complete tasks such as:

Transporting patients and equipment throughout the hospital
Taking samples, specimens and medication around the hospital
Taking linen, case notes and the removal and disposal of waste
Receiving, recording and prioritising job requests
Supporting medical staff during emergency situations

Compass Group UK & I brand values

Teamwork – We are one team, working together to support each other to obtain outstanding results

Responsibility – We make a positive contribution to the health and wellbeing of our colleagues, customers, and communities

Integrity – We show respect for others and set high ethical and professional standards, ensuring things are always done right

Passion – We live our values, develop ideas into actions and set the example of how it should be done

Can do Attitude – We encourage each other to do well, with a positive approach to deliver over and above what is expected

Compass Group UK & I diversity statement

In 2022 we launched Our Social Promise: a commitment to enhancing the lives of one million people through job creation, education, training, community, and charitable engagement by 2030. We are working to address the barriers that many face when it comes to progression – particularly of gender, race, and those from less advantaged and under-represented backgrounds – and we’ve set the industry’s first socio-economic representation targets.

Our employee networks play a vital role in ensuring we live and breathe our diversity and inclusion commitments. Run by colleagues, for colleagues, they work together to develop meaningful initiatives that raise awareness of key topics and include: our Women in Food network; Within, our ethnic minority network; our LGBTQI+ PRIDE in Food network; our You Matter mental health network; and our disability network Ability. Each has a group of ambassadors from all levels within the business, who as well as supporting our awareness events calendar, also mentor junior colleagues on their career development and are a powerful voice for their community.