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- Tasks: Prepare and serve high-quality meals in a dynamic kitchen environment.
- Company: Join ESS, part of Compass Group UK&I, supporting Defence catering.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, gym access, discounts, and excellent career development.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a difference for service personnel.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie required.
- Other info: Great work-life balance and supportive team culture.
Job Description
?? Location: Rock Barracks?? Pay: £16.65 per hour? Hours: 37.5 hours per week (no spread-over)?? Contract: 5 days out of 7?? Weekends: 1 in 3
Shift Patterns
Weekdays:
- Early: 06:00 – 14:00
- Late: 10:30 – 18:30
Weekends:
- 09:00 – 17:30
We are currently recruiting an experienced and motivated Sous Chef to join our catering team at Rock Barracks. This role offers an excellent work–life balance, structured hours with no spread-over, and superb career development opportunities within a professional Defence catering environment.
As Sous Chef, you will support the Head Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, helping to deliver consistently high-quality, nutritious meals while leading and developing the kitchen team.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Head Chef with daily kitchen operations
- Prepare, cook, and serve high-quality meals to service standards
- Supervise, motivate, and develop kitchen staff
- Maintain excellent food hygiene, safety, and cleanliness standards
- Assist with menu planning, stock control, ordering, and allergen management
- Ensure smooth and efficient service 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 early and late shifts
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/3001/95391001/52503117/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!
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
Get to know the kitchen culture! Before your interview, check out the vibe of the place. If you can, visit the location or chat with current employees to get a feel for the team dynamics. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you have the chance, bring a dish or two that showcases your style and expertise. This not only gives you a chance to impress but also opens up a conversation about your passion for food and creativity in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk teamwork! As a Sous Chef, you'll be part of a larger team, so come prepared with examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the kitchen. Highlighting your communication skills and ability to support your colleagues will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application directly, so make sure you submit it through our platform. This way, we can keep track of your progress and ensure you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Rock Barracks.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your previous experience in similar kitchen roles. We want to see how your skills as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie can shine through!
Be Organised and Clear: Keep your application neat and organised. Use clear headings and bullet points where necessary. This helps us quickly see your qualifications and makes it easier for us to get to know you.
Express Your Passion: Let your love for food and customer service come through in your writing. We’re looking for someone who’s not just skilled but also genuinely passionate about what they do!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Rock Barracks.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Know Your Kitchen Basics
Brush up on your culinary skills and be ready to discuss your experience with high-quality meal preparation. Be prepared to share specific examples of dishes you've created or menu items you've contributed to, as this will show your passion for great food.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
As a Sous Chef, teamwork is crucial. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others in the kitchen. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve supported your team members in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to talk about how you manage stock control and daily kitchen operations. Discuss any systems or processes you’ve implemented to maintain food safety and hygiene standards, as this is key for the role.
✨Bring Ideas to the Table
Prepare some creative ideas for menu development or service improvements that you could suggest if hired. This shows initiative and a genuine interest in contributing to the team’s success at Rock Barracks.
