At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team to create high-quality meals for military personnel and events.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK&I, a leader in Defence and Government catering.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and exclusive discounts on travel and groceries.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive, diverse workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by delivering exceptional food in a vibrant, high-volume environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef with strong leadership and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 32465 - 32465 £ per year.
We’re looking for an experienced, hands‑on Sous Chef to support the delivery of high‑quality catering within the Sergeants’ Mess at Blandford Camp. This is a fantastic opportunity for a strong kitchen professional who enjoys leading from the front, working closely with their team, and producing excellent food in a structured, high‑volume environment. This role combines daily feeding for Service Personnel with a strong emphasis on functions and events, which form a key part of the catering offer.
What you’ll be doing:
- Preparing and delivering high‑quality, nutritious meals for Service Personnel
- Supporting daily feeding numbers of approximately 40 Sergeants and up to 350 Junior Ranks
- Playing a key role in the planning and delivery of functions and events (core focus of the role)
- Leading from the front in a hands‑on Sous Chef position
- Supporting, motivating and developing a kitchen team of around 15 colleagues
- Ensuring excellent food presentation, consistency, and service standards
- Managing food ordering, stock control, and waste minimisation
- Maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and safety
- Supporting budget control and contributing to financial targets
- Ensuring full compliance with Food Safety and Health & Safety regulations
What we’re looking for:
- Proven experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef in a similar environment
- A hands‑on leader who enjoys working alongside their team
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- Ability to support and manage a team effectively
- Calm under pressure in a high‑volume catering setting
- Reliable, flexible, and able to adapt to changing Mess schedules
- A safety‑first mindset with a genuine passion for food and service
Benefits:
- 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
- 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.
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.
Lead Sous Chef for High-Volume Catering & Events in Blandford Forum employer: ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
At Compass Group UK&I, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for our Lead Sous Chef at Blandford Camp. With a strong emphasis on employee growth through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes, alongside a range of benefits including healthcare access, travel discounts, and wellness classes, we ensure our team members feel valued and empowered. Join us in delivering high-quality catering for Service Personnel while enjoying a culture that celebrates diversity and fosters personal and professional development.
Contact Details:
ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Sous Chef for High-Volume Catering & Events in Blandford Forum
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! When you’re in the kitchen, show off your skills and passion for food. Don’t just talk about your experience; let your cooking do the talking during any trial shifts or tastings.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with other chefs and industry professionals on social media or at events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to adapt! High-volume catering means things can change quickly. Show that you can handle pressure and adjust your plans on the fly. Share examples of how you’ve done this in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Compass Group UK&I.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Sous Chef for High-Volume Catering & Events in Blandford Forum
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your previous experience as a Sous Chef or in a similar role. We want to see how you've led teams and delivered high-quality meals in busy environments, so don’t hold back!
Be Personal and Authentic:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We love seeing genuine passion for food and service, so share your story and what drives you in the kitchen.
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to tailor your application to the specific role. Mention how your skills align with our needs, especially around high-volume catering and event planning. It shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes and cuisines that are typically served in high-volume catering. Be ready to discuss your favourite recipes and how you would adapt them for large groups, especially for the Service Personnel.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Lead Sous Chef, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you’ve motivated and developed your kitchen staff in previous roles. Highlight any specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Emphasise Your Organisation Skills
In a high-pressure environment, organisation is key. Be prepared to talk about your experience with food ordering, stock control, and waste minimisation. Share specific strategies you’ve implemented to keep everything running smoothly during busy events.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Food Safety
Food hygiene and safety are paramount in this role. Brush up on the latest regulations and be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen. Share any experiences where you’ve had to address safety issues or improve hygiene standards.
