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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create delicious meals for service personnel.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK&I, a leader in Defence catering.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career growth, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food quality while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Senior Chef de Partie required.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with a focus on work-life balance and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Location: RAF Valley
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Working Pattern: 5 days over 7
Pay: £16.15 per hour
Shift Patterns:
- Early Shift: 05:00 – 13:30
- Late Shift: 13:00 – 21:00
Meal Service Times:
- Breakfast: 06:00 – 08:30
- Lunch: 11:30 – 13:30
- Evening Meal: 17:30 – 20:30
Catering for up to 50 Service Personnel per day.
We are recruiting a passionate and driven Sous Chef to join our team at RAF Valley. This is an exciting opportunity within the Defence sector, offering a supportive environment where you can make a real impact on food quality, team development, and operational standards. This role will see you grow and develop junior members of the kitchen team, with a strong focus on upskilling, mentoring, and driving culinary standards to the next level. The site benefits from a reduced workload over the Christmas period, supporting a healthy work–life balance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the Head Chef in the day-to-day running of a busy kitchen
- Prepare, cook, and serve high-quality, nutritious meals across all services
- Lead, train, and develop junior kitchen staff, fostering skills and confidence
- Maintain and improve culinary standards, presentation, and consistency
- Supervise a team of 20, with 6 direct reports
- Assist with menu planning, stock control, ordering, and allergen management
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and Health & Safety standards
- Deliver efficient service across all shift patterns
About You:
- Previous experience essential in a similar role (Sous Chef or strong Senior Chef de Partie)
- Culinary qualifications desirable (City & Guilds / NVQ or equivalent)
- Passionate about developing people and raising food standards
- Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills
- Flexible, reliable, and comfortable working early and late shifts
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:
- 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.
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 Valley employer: ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
Contact Detail:
ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Valley
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Connect with fellow chefs and industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Sous Chef position at RAF Valley.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary 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 when you’re chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on places that align with your passion for food and team development. Check out our website for openings at Compass Group UK&I and make sure to tailor your approach to highlight your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios you might face in a busy kitchen. Think about how you’d handle team dynamics and culinary challenges, especially in a high-pressure environment like RAF Valley.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Valley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for cooking and developing others shine through. We want to see that you’re not just in it for the job, but that you genuinely care about food quality and team growth.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in similar roles. We love seeing how your past experiences align with our needs, so don’t be shy about showcasing your culinary qualifications and leadership skills.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your strengths and how you can contribute to our team at RAF Valley.
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
✨Know Your Culinary Basics
Brush up on your culinary techniques and knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with meal preparation, cooking methods, and food safety standards. This will show that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully trained or mentored junior staff in the past. Highlight your ability to foster skills and confidence in others, as this is key to the role.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a busy kitchen environment. Think about scenarios where you had to manage time effectively or handle unexpected challenges during service. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive under pressure.
✨Express Your Passion for Food Quality
Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for high-quality, nutritious meals. Discuss any experiences where you’ve improved culinary standards or presentation in previous roles. This aligns perfectly with the company’s focus on food quality and operational standards.
