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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 difference by serving high-quality meals to those who serve our country.
- Qualifications: Previous experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie required.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and a supportive team environment await you.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 17 £ per hour.
Location: RAF Honington
Pay: £17.65 per hour
Hours: 37 hours per week
Working Pattern: 5 days over 7
Shift Patterns:
- Early: 05:00 - 13:00
- Late: 10:30 - 18:30
Meal Service Times:
- Breakfast: 06:00 - 08:30
- Lunch: 11:30 - 13:00
- Evening Meal: 16:30 - 18:00
Serving up to 150 Service Personnel daily.
We are recruiting a skilled and motivated Sous Chef to join our catering team at RAF Honington. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key leadership role within a busy Defence catering environment, supporting the delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals for service personnel.
Working within a team of 12, you will support the Head Chef in the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen while maintaining exceptional culinary and service standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the Head Chef with daily kitchen operations
- Prepare, cook, and serve high-quality meals across all services
- Supervise and support kitchen staff to maintain consistency and standards
- Ensure excellent food hygiene, safety, and cleanliness practices
- Assist with menu planning, stock control, and ordering
- Deliver efficient service across all shift patterns
About You:
- Previous experience essential in a similar role (Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie)
- Culinary qualifications desirable (City & Guilds / NVQ or equivalent)
- Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills
- Passion for great food and quality service
- Flexible and reliable, able to work early and late shifts
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
- Unwind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
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 Stoke-on-Trent employer: ESS
Contact Detail:
ESS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, whether it's through social media or local events. You never know who might have a lead on a Sous Chef position 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 and give employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨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 talented Sous Chefs like you. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate and you’ll be one step closer to joining our amazing team at RAF Honington.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your previous experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie. We want to see how your skills can contribute to our team at RAF Honington, so don’t hold back on showcasing your culinary qualifications and any special dishes you’re proud of!
Be Personable: We love a friendly face! In your application, let your personality shine through. Share your passion for great food and quality service, and how you connect with others in a busy kitchen environment. This will help us see how you fit into our team culture.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Sous Chef at RAF Honington. Mention your leadership skills and how you’ve successfully supervised kitchen staff in the past. We want to know how you can support our Head Chef and maintain high standards in our kitchen.
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. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for both you and us!
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS
✨Know Your Culinary Basics
Brush up on your culinary skills and techniques before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your experience with meal preparation, cooking methods, and food safety practices. This will show that you have a solid foundation and are ready to support the Head Chef effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supervised kitchen staff or resolved conflicts. Highlighting these moments will demonstrate your ability to maintain high standards and foster a positive working environment.
✨Understand the Menu and Service Times
Familiarise yourself with the meal service times and the types of meals served at RAF Honington. Being knowledgeable about their operations will not only impress the interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the kitchen's operations, team dynamics, and opportunities for growth within the company. This shows that you're engaged and serious about the position, plus it helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.