Sous Chef

Sous Chef

Grantham Full-Time No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead kitchen operations and ensure quality food presentation.
  • Company: Join Compass Group UK&I, supporting military and government services.
  • Benefits: Enjoy discounts on travel, groceries, cinema tickets, and wellness classes.
  • Why this job: Be part of a diverse team that values your unique talents and offers career growth.
  • Qualifications: Previous kitchen experience preferred; strong communication skills required.
  • Other info: Flexible hours with a supportive work environment.

Sous Chef – Prince William of Gloucester Barracks
Location: Prince William of Gloucester Barracks
Pay: Β£15.49 per hour
⏰ Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Working Pattern: 5 days over 7 with a mixture of shift times
Shift Patterns

  • Early: 06:00 – 13:30
  • Mid: 11:30 – 19:30
  • Late: 12:00 – 20:00

Meal Service Times

  • Breakfast: 07:00 – 08:15
  • Lunch: 12:30 – 13:15
  • Dinner: 18:00 – 19:00

Catering for approximately 160 personnel on site.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Sous Chef to join our catering team at Prince William of Gloucester Barracks. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key leadership role within a professional Defence catering environment, supporting the Head Chef in delivering high-quality, nutritious meals to service personnel.
Key Responsibilities

  • Support the Head Chef with the day-to-day management of the kitchen
  • Prepare, cook, and serve high-quality meals across all services
  • Lead, supervise, and motivate kitchen staff to ensure consistency and standards
  • Maintain excellent food hygiene, safety, and cleanliness standards
  • Assist with menu planning, stock control, ordering, and allergen management
  • Ensure smooth service delivery across a variety of shift patterns
  • Uphold and drive culinary standards throughout the kitchen

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 delivering quality service
  • Flexible, reliable, and comfortable working early, mid, 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/1501/95125001/52347731/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

At Compass Group UK&I, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for our Sous Chef role at PWG Barracks. With a strong commitment to employee growth through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes, we offer a supportive work culture that values diversity and encourages personal development. Our comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare access, travel discounts, and wellness classes, ensures that our team members feel valued and rewarded for their hard work in a dynamic and fulfilling environment.
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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 kitchen operations and standards at PWG Barracks. Understanding their menu and food presentation style can give you an edge during interviews, showing that you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight your leadership skills and ability to manage a team effectively. Since the role involves overseeing kitchen staff, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences where you successfully led a team or improved kitchen operations.

✨Tip Number 3

Brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene standards and regulations. Being able to demonstrate your understanding of these practices will show that you take food safety seriously, which is crucial for any kitchen role.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with current or former employees of Compass Group UK&I if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the interview process.

We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef

Leadership Skills
Food Safety and Hygiene Knowledge
Menu Planning
Cooking Techniques
Time Management
Team Management
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Inventory Management
Microsoft Office Proficiency
Manual Handling Skills
Attention to Detail
Customer Service Orientation

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in kitchen management and food preparation. Emphasise any previous roles where you oversaw staff or maintained high standards of food hygiene.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and leadership. Mention specific examples of how you've led a team or improved kitchen operations in past roles.

Highlight Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated with team members and managed kitchen operations.

Showcase Your Flexibility: The job requires working 5 days over 7, so mention your availability and willingness to work varied shifts. This shows your commitment and adaptability to the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK

✨Show Your Passion for Cooking

Make sure to express your enthusiasm for food and cooking during the interview. Share specific examples of dishes you love to prepare and any culinary experiences that have shaped your skills. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role.

✨Highlight Leadership Skills

As a Sous Chef, you'll need to lead by example. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in managing kitchen staff, resolving conflicts, and ensuring high standards. Use examples that showcase your ability to motivate and inspire others.

✨Emphasise Hygiene and Safety Knowledge

Since food hygiene is crucial in any kitchen, be ready to talk about your understanding of food safety standards and practices. Mention any relevant certifications or training you've completed, as this will show your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.

✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewer

Having thoughtful questions ready shows your interest in the position and the company. Ask about the team dynamics, the kitchen's workflow, or opportunities for professional development. This not only helps you gauge if it's the right fit but also leaves a positive impression.

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