At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook fresh, nutritious meals for military personnel in a busy kitchen.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a leading catering service provider with a supportive team culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, mental health support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, guaranteed hours, and a chance to grow your culinary skills.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by delivering quality food to those who serve our country.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef, passion for cooking, and a Level 2 Food Safety qualification.
The predicted salary is between 15.69 - 15.69 £ per hour.
- 37.5 hours per week
- Monday to Friday (occasional weekends)
- Various shift patterns
- Early shift: 06:30–14:30 | Late shift: 11:00–19:00
Check your local transport links here: Plan Your Journey | Traveline – enter RG18 9TP as your destination.
Are you a passionate Chef looking for a full-time role with guaranteed hours, a regular working pattern and the opportunity to make a real difference?
Join Sodexo as a Chef at Denison Barracks in Thatcham, where your cooking skills will help deliver fresh, nutritious and delicious meals for military personnel.
You’ll be part of a friendly, professional catering team where quality food, teamwork and great service are at the heart of everything we do.
With 37.5 guaranteed hours per week, predominantly Monday to Friday working choice , this is an opportunity to put your culinary skills to good use while enjoying a structured working week.
You’ll have the chance to take pride in your work, develop your skills and contribute to a catering service that genuinely matters.
From preparing and cooking meals to ensuring every dish is served to a high standard, you’ll play an important part in creating a positive dining experience.
If you enjoy working in a busy kitchen, take pride in producing great food and want to be part of a supportive team, we’d love to hear from you!
What you’ll do
- Prepare, cook and present fresh, nutritious meals in line with menus, recipes and quality standards, ensuring food is served safely and at the correct temperature.
- Help deliver a smooth and efficient food service, including food preparation, hot plate service and live cooking where required.
- Maintain high standards of food hygiene, personal presentation, cleanliness and housekeeping throughout the kitchen and catering areas.
- Use kitchen equipment, ingredients and supplies responsibly, helping to minimise waste and reporting faults, accidents or near misses promptly.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, managers, customers and clients to deliver a welcoming, reliable and high-quality catering service.
- Attend team briefings, contribute to effective handovers and communicate clearly to keep services running smoothly.
- Follow food safety legislation, company procedures and safe working practices, while embracing training and development opportunities to build your skills.
What you bring
- Previous experience as a Chef or in a similar professional catering environment.
- A genuine passion for cooking, preparing quality food and delivering excellent service.
- A Level 2 Food Safety or Food Hygiene qualification, or equivalent.
- A positive, can-do attitude, good attention to detail and the ability to work effectively in a busy kitchen.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work well with colleagues and customers.
- The flexibility to work the required shift patterns, including occasional weekends.
- Experience in a military, contract catering or customer-facing environment would be an advantage.
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook, would be beneficial.
What we offer
At Sodexo, your work is about more than preparing great food.
It’s about being part of a team that makes a difference every day.
You’ll join an established organisation where you can develop your culinary skills, build your experience and explore opportunities for career progression.
Alongside your hourly pay and guaranteed weekly hours, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, finances and life outside work.
In addition, we offer
- Mental health and wellbeing support.
- Employee Assistance Programme, providing personal, legal and financial advice.
- 24/7 virtual GP access and lifestyle rewards.
- Discounts for you and your family.
- Financial wellbeing tools and retirement plan.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Paid volunteering day.
Join Sodexo as a Chef at Denison Barracks and bring your passion for food to a team providing an important catering service for the Ministry of Defence.
Chef in Newbury employer: Independents by Sodexo
At Sodexo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where no two days are the same. As a Security Officer at HMPPS Newbold Revel in Rugby, you'll benefit from comprehensive wellbeing support, career growth opportunities, and a range of financial perks, all while contributing to the safety and security of our community. Join us and experience a supportive culture that values your contributions and fosters personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Newbury
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Independents by Sodexo. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Independents by Sodexo
Don't be shy about reaching out to Independents by Sodexo directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Newbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Independents by Sodexo and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Independents by Sodexo
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
