At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team to create high-quality meals for Service Personnel and events.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK&I, a leader in Defence and Government catering.
- Benefits: Enjoy a contributory pension, healthcare perks, and exclusive discounts on travel and shopping.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for personal growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant kitchen while developing your culinary career.
- 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.
Sous Chef 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 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 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 Sous Chef 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 practical assessments.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with other chefs and industry professionals on social media or at local 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! The catering world is fast-paced and ever-changing, especially in a high-volume environment like the Sergeants’ Mess. Show that you can think on your feet and handle whatever comes your way.
✨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 and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Blandford Forum
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your 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 Passionate:Let your personality shine through! Share your passion for food and service in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about what they do, so tell us why you’re the perfect fit for our team.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Use keywords from the listing, like 'high-volume catering' and 'food hygiene', to show that you understand what we’re looking for and that you can deliver.
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 ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, familiarise yourself with the types of dishes typically served in a military catering environment. Be ready to discuss your experience with high-volume meal preparation and how you ensure quality and consistency under pressure.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and developed kitchen staff in the past. Highlight any specific situations where your leadership made a difference in food service or team morale.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Make sure you brush up on food hygiene and safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you maintain cleanliness and safety standards in the kitchen, as well as your approach to managing stock control and waste minimisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling high-pressure situations, especially during events or functions. Think of specific examples where you successfully managed a busy service or resolved a kitchen crisis, showcasing your calmness and problem-solving skills.
