Chef Manager Review
at Compass group
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Hospitality Management
Exeter
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I lead the on-site catering team, ensuring daily service runs smoothly and standards are consistently met. My role includes managing food costs, placing orders, controlling stock and maintaining GP performance whilst keeping the site safe and compliant.
I am responsible for upholding the client relationship, ensuring expectations are met or exceeded. I drive and monitor service, food quality and compliance standards, monitoring performace closely and taking action where improvements are needed.
I am responsible for upholding the client relationship, ensuring expectations are met or exceeded. I drive and monitor service, food quality and compliance standards, monitoring performace closely and taking action where improvements are needed.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have genuinely enjoyed the programme as it has challenged me to think more strategically and reflect on how I lead. It has strengthened my confidence in decision-making, financial management and structured leadership.
One of the biggest benefits has been embedding a stronger growth mindset within my team. I actively promote ongoing development through regular feedback conversations, and encouraging team members to take ownership of their progression. The programme so far has helped me move from simply managing performance to coaching and developing people more intentionally.
Overall, the learning has been directly applicable to my role and has improved both my own leadership approach and the development culture within the team.
One of the biggest benefits has been embedding a stronger growth mindset within my team. I actively promote ongoing development through regular feedback conversations, and encouraging team members to take ownership of their progression. The programme so far has helped me move from simply managing performance to coaching and developing people more intentionally.
Overall, the learning has been directly applicable to my role and has improved both my own leadership approach and the development culture within the team.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
The programme has strengthened my understanding of leadership, feedback and coaching theories and how to apply them in practice. I have moved from simply directing tasks to using a more structured coaching approach to drive accountability and performance.
I now embed regular, purposeful feedback conversations ad focus on continuous development rather than reactive management. This has helped create clearer expectations and a more growth-focused culture within the team.
I now embed regular, purposeful feedback conversations ad focus on continuous development rather than reactive management. This has helped create clearer expectations and a more growth-focused culture within the team.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme has been well structured, with clear milestones and regular reviews to track progress. Expectations and requirements have been clearly communicated, which has made it easier to balance alongside a full operational role.
Support from both GLP training and Compass have been consistent, with scheduled reviews providing accountability and direction.
Support from both GLP training and Compass have been consistent, with scheduled reviews providing accountability and direction.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive strong support from my manager and the wider business. My manager actively encourages CPD activities and ensure I have the time and space to complete apprenticeship requirements alongside operational responsibilities.
I have also been supported through Compass career pathway, which aligns closely with this qualification and has provided clear developmental opportunities. This support has been both practical and developmental, helping me apply the learning directly within my role.
I have also been supported through Compass career pathway, which aligns closely with this qualification and has provided clear developmental opportunities. This support has been both practical and developmental, helping me apply the learning directly within my role.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The training provider has been very supportive throughout the programme. My trainer helps me contextualise the learning into my operational role, ensuring theories and frameworks are practical and applicable. Regular reviews keep me focused and provide clear guidance on how to evidence real workplace impact.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
It has improved my effectiveness in my role by giving me a more diverse toolkit to approach leadership, performance management and decision making. I apply the theories and frameworks in real time, particularly around coaching, feedback and strategy planning. It has increased my confidence, clarity and ability to lead with purpose rather than reactively managing day-to-day issues.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are range of wider opportunities within the business, including career pathway programmes, cross- site collaboration and networking forums. While balancing operational responsibilities and qualifications requires strong time management, there are ample opportunities for those looking to get involved.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Compass group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Compass offers a diverse range of role across sectors, which creates genuine opportunity for progression. There are clear pathways in place, and the business supports growth through structured programmes and internal career progression. For anyone looking to build a long-term career with developmental opportunities, it provides strong foundations.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Compass group?
Be proactive and take ownership of your development from the start. There are strong opportunities within the business, but progression comes to those who show initiative and consistently deliver.
