At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality food preparation and team management.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK&I, a leader in Defence catering services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment while developing your culinary career.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale catering and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 32760 - 32760 € per year.
Salary: £32,760 per annum
40 hours per week | 5 days out of 7
Shifts between 05:30 and 20:00
We’re recruiting an experienced and confident Sous Chef to join our large‑scale catering operation at Brompton Barracks, Chatham. This is a high‑profile role within a fast‑paced Defence environment, ideal for a chef with a hotel or events background who thrives on volume, variety, and leading teams. You’ll be working primarily in the Main Mess, with opportunities to support and cover across the wider operation when required.
About the site:
- Serving 200+ covers per day
- 3 kitchens on site
- A large, diverse team of 25 kitchen colleagues
- A mix of daily service and functions, offering variety and challenge
The Role:
As Sous Chef, you’ll play a key leadership role within the kitchen, supporting the Head Chef and ensuring smooth day‑to‑day operations across a large, multi‑kitchen site. You’ll be hands‑on, highly organised, and confident managing people, standards, and service at scale.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee all kitchen operations in the absence of the Head Chef
- Lead from the front, ensuring high‑quality food preparation and presentation across all kitchens
- Maintain and enforce food safety, hygiene, and Health & Safety standards
- Support service delivery for both main mess catering and functions
- Act as a positive role model, keeping kitchens organised, clean, and audit‑ready
- Support recruitment activities including interviews, trials, and onboarding
- Communicate regularly with the Head Chef regarding stock levels, ordering, and operational needs
- Take a proactive, hands‑on approach to team leadership and service delivery
About You:
This role would suit a Sous Chef who:
- Has experience in a hotel, large‑scale, or function‑led environment
- Is comfortable managing volume, multiple kitchens, and large teams
- Enjoys being hands‑on and visible in the kitchen
- Communicates confidently and works well as part of a senior kitchen team
- Is organised, reliable, and adaptable in a structured environment
- Is physically able to manage manual handling tasks such as stock and equipment
- Is confident using Microsoft Office and Outlook
Benefits:
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.
Sous Chef NEW Defence Posted today £15.69 per year Medway Chefs in Chatham employer: Chartwells Independent
At Compass Group UK&I, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at Brompton Barracks in Chatham. Our comprehensive benefits package, including a contributory pension scheme and exclusive discounts, ensures that our employees feel valued and rewarded. With a strong focus on career development through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes, we foster a culture of growth and inclusivity, making it an ideal place for passionate chefs to thrive in a supportive team atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef NEW Defence Posted today £15.69 per year Medway Chefs in Chatham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, join culinary groups, and attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a short video showcasing your cooking techniques. This can really set you apart when you're chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to places you want to work at. A friendly email or call can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef NEW Defence Posted today £15.69 per year Medway Chefs in Chatham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in large-scale catering or hotel environments. We want to see how you've thrived in busy kitchens and led teams before!
Be Specific About Your Skills:Don’t just say you’re organised; give us examples! Mention how you’ve maintained food safety standards or managed multiple kitchens. This helps us see how you fit into our fast-paced environment.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep it professional. Share your passion for cooking and leading teams, but also let your personality shine through. We want to know the real you!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you in the running for this exciting role at Brompton Barracks!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Kitchen Basics
Brush up on your culinary skills and kitchen management knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience in high-volume environments, as this role requires managing multiple kitchens and leading a large team.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you maintain high standards in food preparation and hygiene, which are crucial for this position.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since communication with the Head Chef and your team is key, demonstrate your ability to convey operational needs and stock levels effectively during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a busy kitchen. Think about how you would handle challenges like staffing shortages or unexpected menu changes, and be prepared to share your strategies.
