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- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious food while overseeing menu changes and kitchen hygiene.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK&I, a leader in food service for Defence and government sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, excellent benefits, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values individuality and delivers exceptional customer service.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, supervisory experience, and relevant culinary qualifications required.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Overview
Sous Chef – Buckley Barracks
📍 Location: Buckley Barracks
💷 Pay: £15.95 per hour
⏰ Hours: 37.5 hours per week
📅 Working Pattern: 5 days over 7
Meal Service Times
- Breakfast: 07:00 – 08:00
- Lunch: 12:30 – 13:30
- Evening Meal: 18:00 – 19:00
Catering for up to 90 Service Personnel per day.
- Shift Patterns
- Early: 06:00 – 14:00
- Early Mid: 08:00 – 16:00
- Late: 10:30 – 18:30
- Mess Late: 11:30 – 19:30
- Weekends: 09:30 – 19:30 (1-hour break – weekends only)
We are recruiting an experienced and enthusiastic Sous Chef to join our team at Buckley Barracks. This is a fantastic opportunity to work within a structured Defence catering environment, supporting the Head Chef in delivering high-quality, nutritious meals while helping to lead and develop the kitchen team.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Head Chef with day-to-day kitchen operations
- Prepare, cook, and serve high-quality meals across all services
- Supervise, motivate, and support kitchen staff
- Maintain excellent food hygiene, safety, and cleanliness standards
- Assist with menu planning, stock control, ordering, and allergen management
- Ensure smooth service delivery across all shift patterns
About You
- Previous experience essential in a similar role (Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie)
- Culinary qualifications desirable (City & Guilds / NVQ or equivalent)
- Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills
- Passion for great food and quality service
- Flexible, reliable, and comfortable working a variety of shift patterns
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/0302/95661001/52683450/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!
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Sous Chef employer: Compass Group UK
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific culinary style and preferences of Defence. Research their past menus and any unique dietary requirements they may cater to, as this will help you demonstrate your understanding of their needs during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully supervised a kitchen team in the past. Be ready to discuss how you handle challenges and motivate your team to deliver exceptional food experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your commitment to food hygiene and safety standards. Be prepared to discuss specific practices you implement in the kitchen to maintain high hygiene levels, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your passion for customer service by sharing stories of how you've gone above and beyond to enhance the dining experience for customers. This will show that you align with the company's values and are dedicated to delivering great service.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Sous Chef at Azimghur Barracks. Highlight your relevant experience in preparing high-quality food and overseeing kitchen operations.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your culinary skills and experiences that align with the job description. Emphasise any supervisory roles you've held and your qualifications, such as City & Guilds or NVQ certifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and customer service. Mention specific examples of how you've improved food services or created new menus in previous roles.
Highlight Your Certifications: Ensure you mention your Food Hygiene certificate and any other relevant qualifications prominently in your application. This shows your commitment to maintaining hygiene standards in the kitchen.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and creating exceptional dishes. Share specific examples of your culinary experiences and what inspires you in the kitchen.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be overseeing a team. Highlight your previous supervisory experience and discuss how you motivate and support your team to achieve high standards.
✨Be Prepared to Discuss Menu Ideas
Think about innovative menu concepts or improvements you could bring to the role. Be ready to share your thoughts on how to enhance the dining experience for clients and customers.
✨Emphasise Hygiene and Safety Knowledge
Since food hygiene and safety are crucial, be prepared to discuss your understanding of regulations and how you ensure compliance in the kitchen. Mention your Food Hygiene certificate and any relevant training.
