At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality food prep and team management.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK&I, a leader in Defence catering.
- Benefits: Enjoy a pension scheme, healthcare perks, travel discounts, and wellness classes.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and professional development await you.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment while leading a diverse team.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume kitchens and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
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
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
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
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 look for people who are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, at all levels, to join our teams. 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:
Benefits:
- 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
- Unwind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
Senior Sous Chef - High-Volume Defence Catering Lead in Chatham employer: Compass Group PLC
At Compass Group UK&I, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for our Senior Sous Chef role at Brompton Barracks in Chatham. Our vibrant work culture fosters teamwork and leadership within a diverse kitchen environment, where you can thrive on the variety of high-volume catering while enjoying comprehensive benefits such as a contributory pension scheme, career development opportunities, and exclusive discounts. Join us to not only advance your culinary career but also to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced Defence setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef - High-Volume Defence Catering Lead in Chatham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and hospitality industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Senior Sous Chef role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio showcasing your culinary creations and leadership experiences. This could be a great conversation starter during interviews and will help us see your passion and expertise in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the company and its values. Understand what it means to work in a high-volume defence catering environment. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing large teams and ensuring food safety.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s get you that Senior Sous Chef position!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sous Chef - High-Volume Defence Catering Lead in Chatham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your experience in high-volume catering and team leadership. We want to see how you've thrived in busy environments, so share specific examples that showcase your skills!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but also a great fit for our team culture. Don’t be afraid to show us what makes you unique!
Tailor Your Application:Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to this role. Mention key responsibilities from the job description and explain how your past experiences align with them. It shows us you’re genuinely interested!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group PLC
✨Know Your Kitchen Operations
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of kitchen operations, especially in a high-volume setting. Be ready to discuss how you've managed multiple kitchens and large teams in the past, as this role demands a hands-on approach and strong leadership skills.
✨Showcase Your Food Safety Knowledge
Since maintaining food safety and hygiene standards is crucial, be prepared to talk about your experience with these practices. Highlight any relevant certifications or training you've completed, and share examples of how you've enforced these standards in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership
This position requires someone who can lead from the front. Think of specific instances where you've motivated your team or improved kitchen organisation. Be ready to explain your leadership style and how you handle challenges within a diverse team.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication is key in a fast-paced environment. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing stock management and operational needs. Show that you can maintain open lines of communication with both your team and the Head Chef.
