At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality food preparation and team management.
- Company: Join a dynamic catering team at Brompton Barracks, part of Compass Group UK&I.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career growth, healthcare perks, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your culinary leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale kitchens and strong team management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 32000 £ 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.
You’ll be working primarily in the Main Mess, with opportunities to support and cover across the wider operation when required.
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
As Sous Chef, you’ll play a key leadership role within the kitchen, supporting the Head Chef and ensuring smooth day‑to‑day operations across a large, multi‑kitchen site. You’ll be hands‑on, highly organised, and confident managing people, standards, and service at scale.
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
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
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 Stoke employer: Compass Group
At Compass Group UK&I, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for our Sous Chef role at Brompton Barracks in Chatham. Our vibrant work culture fosters teamwork and inclusivity, while our comprehensive benefits package, including a contributory pension scheme and exclusive discounts, ensures that our employees feel valued and supported. With ample opportunities for career growth through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes, you will thrive in a dynamic environment that celebrates diversity and encourages personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Stoke
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen team before your interview! If you can, visit the site or connect with current staff on social media. This will give you insights into the team dynamics and help you tailor your approach during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed teams in high-pressure environments. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to maintain quality and standards while keeping morale high.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! As a Sous Chef, you might be asked to demonstrate your cooking skills or manage a small team during a trial shift. Brush up on your techniques and be ready to showcase your culinary flair.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at Brompton Barracks. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Stoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in large-scale catering or hotel environments. We want to see how you've managed volume and led teams, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so use bullet points if you need to. This helps us quickly see your skills and experience without sifting through too much text.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the Sous Chef role specifically. Mention how your skills align with our key responsibilities, like overseeing kitchen operations and maintaining high standards. It shows us you’re genuinely interested!
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Know Your Kitchen Basics
Brush up on your culinary skills and kitchen management knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience in high-volume environments, especially how you've handled multiple kitchens or large teams. This will show that you understand the demands of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've led a team in the past. Think about times when you’ve had to motivate staff or maintain high standards under pressure. This is crucial for a Sous Chef, so be ready to demonstrate your hands-on approach and ability to lead from the front.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Familiarise yourself with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve enforced these standards in previous roles. This will highlight your commitment to maintaining a safe and clean kitchen environment.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since communication is key in a senior kitchen role, think about how you can convey your ideas and collaborate with the Head Chef and other team members. Good communication can set you apart from other candidates.
