Mess Manager
| Posting date: | 27 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | Competitive |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 29 March 2026 |
| Location: | Bury St Edmunds, IP311EE |
| Company: | Compass Group |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 211875 |
Summary
Mess Manager – RAF Honington
Salary: £35,055
Hours: Monday–Friday, 08:00–16:00 (37 hrs/week)
Additional paid overtime on function days
Are you an experienced hospitality professional looking to take the next step in your management career? We’re looking for a proactive and motivated Mess Manager to lead our team at RAF Honington. This is a fantastic opportunity to oversee high‑quality catering, accommodation services, and VIP functions within a unique and rewarding environment.
What You’ll DoAs the Mess Manager, you’ll be responsible for the smooth daily running of mess services, ensuring exceptional standards across catering, accommodation, and hospitality. Your role will include:
- Leading and developing a dedicated team of 15
- Overseeing stock control, kitchen requirements, and service delivery
- Managing hospitality for functions and events, with overtime paid on event days
- Taking full financial responsibility, producing weekly and monthly reports in partnership with the client
- Ensuring compliance with Health & Safety and Food Hygiene standards
- Maintaining consistently high operational and service standards
We welcome applications from candidates with:
- Management experience in contract catering, defence, hospitality, or soft services FM
- A hands‑on catering or cooking background
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong knowledge and passion for food and drink
- Proven ability to build, motivate, and lead an effective team
- A quality‑driven, high‑standards approach
- Strong organisational skills and a results‑orientated mindset
- Sound knowledge of Food Hygiene and Health & Safety
- Financial and commercial awareness
- Computer literacy
- Experience in hotels or hospitality environments (desirable)
- Free staff meal
- Free on‑site gym access
- Monday–Friday daytime hours
- Paid overtime for function days
- Opportunities for professional growth within a unique setting
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/2002/95358001/52690104/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!