At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create delicious meals for 120-250 covers.
- Company: Join a reputable contract catering organisation with a focus on Defence and Government services.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, gym membership, discounts, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive, team-focused culture.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Chef de Partie with a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
We are looking for a passionate and experienced Sous Chef to support the culinary operation at DMS Whittington. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will assist in managing the kitchen team, ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and service are consistently delivered.
You will play a key part in menu delivery, food production, compliance, and the ongoing development of a skilled and motivated kitchen brigade. Working as part of a team of 12, supporting service delivery for 120-250 covers per service.
Key Responsibilities:- Support the Head Chef in planning, preparing and delivering meals to agreed standards and service times
- Lead and supervise kitchen teams during shifts, ensuring smooth and efficient operations
- Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, and portion control
- Ensure full compliance with Food Safety, Health & Safety, allergen, and hygiene standards
- Assist with stock control, ordering, waste management, and cost control
- Train, coach, and develop junior kitchen staff
- Deputise for the Head Chef when required
- Maintain accurate kitchen documentation, including temperature logs and cleaning schedules
About You: You are a committed culinary professional with strong organisational skills and a hands-on approach. You thrive in a structured but fast-paced environment and are comfortable leading teams while delivering consistent food quality.
Essential Skills & Experience:- Proven experience as a Sous Chef or strong Chef de Partie ready to step up
- Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (essential)
- Strong understanding of food production methods and kitchen operations
- Experience working to set menus and service times
- Good communication and team leadership skills
- Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing operational needs
- Experience in contract catering or high-volume food service
- Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate
- Knowledge of allergens, nutrition and dietary requirements
- Previous experience in a defence, education, or healthcare setting
What We Offer:
- Great work life balance
- Discounted concert tickets
- Access to 30,000+ national & local employee discounts
- Free meals on duty, free gym membership, free on-site car parking
- A stable, permanent role within a reputable contract catering organisation
- Structured working environment with clear processes and standards
- Opportunities for career development and progression
- Supportive management and team-focused culture
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:
- Free meals
- Free on-site gym
- Onsite free car parking
- Discounted Event tickets
- 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
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 in Lichfield employer: Compass Group UK
At DMS Whittington, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive management structure and a team-focused culture that fosters personal and professional growth. Our comprehensive benefits package includes free meals, gym membership, and access to exclusive discounts, ensuring a great work-life balance for our employees. Join us in a stable, permanent role within a reputable contract catering organisation where your culinary skills can shine and develop further.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Lichfield
✨Tip Number 1
Get your chef's whites ready and practice your culinary skills! When you land that interview, be prepared to showcase your cooking techniques and discuss your experience in managing kitchen teams. We want to see your passion for food and leadership shine through!
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with other chefs and industry professionals on social media or at local culinary events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream sous chef role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research the company! Familiarise yourself with DMS Whittington and their culinary operations. Understanding their values and what they offer will help you tailor your approach and show them you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
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 engage directly with us. So, don’t hesitate – get your application in and let’s cook up something great together!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Lichfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through. Share your culinary journey and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that you're not just a chef, but someone who truly enjoys creating delicious meals.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your experience in managing kitchen staff. Talk about how you've trained or mentored others, and how you handle the pressures of a busy kitchen. We need to know you can keep things running smoothly!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don't just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Mention specific cuisines you've worked with, types of menus you've created, and any high-volume service experiences. This helps us understand how your background aligns with our needs at DMS Whittington.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Know Your Culinary Basics
Brush up on your food production methods and kitchen operations. Be ready to discuss your experience with set menus and service times, as this role requires a solid understanding of these aspects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led kitchen teams in the past. Highlight your ability to train and develop junior staff, as well as how you maintain high standards during busy service periods.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Make sure you're familiar with Food Hygiene regulations and allergen management. Being able to discuss compliance and safety measures will show that you take these responsibilities seriously.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for cooking and team collaboration shine through. Share stories about your culinary journey and what drives you to excel in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
