At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create delicious meals for 120-250 covers.
- Company: Join a reputable contract catering organisation with a focus on Defence and Government services.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, gym membership, discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive culture with clear career pathways and a focus on teamwork.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment while honing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a sous chef or strong chef de partie; Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Location: DMS Whittington
Business Area: ESS – Defence, Marine & Aerospace (DMA)
Reporting to: Head Chef / Catering & Accommodation Manager
About The Role
We are looking for a passionate and experienced sous chef to support the culinary operation at DMS Whittington. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you will assist in managing the kitchen team, ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and service are consistently delivered. You will play a key part in menu delivery, food production, compliance, and the ongoing development of a skilled and motivated kitchen brigade. Working as part of a team of 12, supporting service delivery for 120–250 covers per service.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Head Chef in planning, preparing and delivering meals to agreed standards and service times
- Lead and supervise kitchen teams during shifts, ensuring smooth and efficient operations
- Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, and portion control
- Ensure full compliance with Food Safety, Health & Safety, allergen, and hygiene standards
- Assist with stock control, ordering, waste management, and cost control
- Train, coach, and develop junior kitchen staff
- Deputise for the Head Chef when required
- Maintain accurate kitchen documentation, including temperature logs and cleaning schedules
About You
You are a committed culinary professional with strong organisational skills and a hands‑on approach. You thrive in a structured but fast‑paced environment and are comfortable leading teams while delivering consistent food quality.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience as a sous chef or strong chef de partie ready to step up
- Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (essential)
- Strong understanding of food production methods and kitchen operations
- Experience working to set menus and service times
- Good communication and team leadership skills
- Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing operational needs
Desirable
- Experience in contract catering or high‑volume food service
- Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate
- Knowledge of allergens, nutrition and dietary requirements
- Previous experience in a defence, education, or healthcare setting
What We Offer
- Great work life balance
- Discounted concert tickets
- Access to 30,000+ national & local employee discounts
- AVIVA Digicare+
- Free meals on duty, free gym membership, free on‑site car parking
- A stable, permanent role within a reputable contract catering organisation
- Structured working environment with clear processes and standards
- Opportunities for career development and progression
- Supportive management and team‑focused culture
Benefits
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:
- Free meals
- Free on‑site gym
- Onsite free car parking
- Discounted event tickets
- 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.
Sous Chef in Lichfield employer: ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
At DMS Whittington, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive management structure and a team-focused culture that fosters personal and professional growth. Our comprehensive benefits package includes free meals, gym membership, and access to over 30,000 employee discounts, ensuring a great work-life balance while you thrive in a dynamic culinary environment. Join us to develop your skills in a stable, permanent role within a reputable contract catering organisation dedicated to delivering high-quality service in the Defence sector.
Contact Detail:
ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Lichfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Connect with fellow chefs and industry professionals on social media or at local culinary events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a short video showcasing your cooking techniques. This can really set you apart from other candidates when you’re chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to restaurants or catering companies you admire and express your interest in working with them. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for passionate sous chefs like you. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate and you’ll be one step closer to landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Lichfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through. Share your culinary journey and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that you're not just a chef, but someone who truly enjoys creating delicious meals!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a sous chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your experience in managing kitchen staff. Talk about how you've trained or mentored others, and how you keep the kitchen running smoothly. We value strong leaders who can motivate their teams!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don't just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Mention specific cuisines you've worked with, types of menus you've created, and any high-pressure situations you've handled. This helps us understand your expertise and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
✨Know Your Culinary Basics
Brush up on your food production methods and kitchen operations. Be ready to discuss your experience with set menus and service times, as this will show your understanding of the role and its demands.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to train and develop junior staff, as well as how you maintain high standards during busy service times.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Make sure you're familiar with Food Hygiene regulations and allergen management. Bring your Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate to the interview, and be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in the kitchen.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Express your enthusiasm for the culinary arts and working in a fast-paced environment. Share why you want to join this specific team and how you can contribute to their success, especially in a contract catering setting.
