At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve high-quality meals in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Company: Join Sodexo at RAF Odiham, serving military personnel with your culinary skills.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, wellbeing support, career growth opportunities, and flexible work perks.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while showcasing your culinary expertise at exciting events.
- Qualifications: Professional chef experience and recognised culinary qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 2000 - 2500 £ per month.
37.5 hours per week, 5 days out of 7
Earlier shift: 05:30 – 13:30
Later shift: 10:00 – 18:00
£14.18 per hour
About The Role
Join our team for a unique and rewarding catering role in a Ministry of Defence (MOD) environment, where you’ll work alongside military personnel, preparing high‑quality meals and supporting exciting functions. This is an opportunity to be part of something bigger, using your culinary skills to make a real impact in a fast‑paced, professional setting.
What You’ll Do
- Assist in the preparation, cooking, and service of meals in a fast‑paced kitchen
- Maintain the highest standards of food safety and hygiene, ensuring full compliance with EHO guidelines
- Work alongside the front‑of‑house team to deliver outstanding service
- Cook and serve meals to military personnel, delivering high standards every day
- Oversee kitchen sanitation and ensure best practices are always followed
- Be part of high‑profile events and special functions, showcasing your culinary expertise
- Take part in bulk cooking, ensuring consistency and quality in every dish
What We’re Looking For
- Professional chef experience in a catering or hospitality setting
- Recognised culinary qualifications (City & Guilds 706/1 & 2, NVQ Level 2/3)
- Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and health regulations
- Ability to work in a high‑pressure, team‑focused environment
- A passion for cooking and delivering top‑quality service
Desirable Skills
- Experience working in military or government catering
- IOSH qualification or equivalent
- Knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
What We Offer
- Wellbeing Support – Unlimited online resources, a free health app with 24/7 virtual GP, and an Employee Assistance Programme
- Financial Benefits – Discounts for you and your family, salary finance support, retirement plan, and a death‑in‑service benefit
- Career Growth – Apprenticeships, learning tools, and development opportunities
- Work Perks – Cycle to Work Scheme, volunteering opportunities, flexible work, full training, and a protective uniform
Chef in Reading employer: Sodexo
Sodexo is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees, offering a supportive work culture in Speke. As a Food Service Assistant, you'll enjoy a dynamic role within a team that values your contributions, alongside access to a variety of resources and benefits designed to enhance your quality of life. Join us to make a meaningful impact while developing your skills in a professional catering environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, join culinary groups, and connect with people in the industry. You never know when a chat could lead to your next big opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider creating a portfolio of your best dishes or even a cooking video. This can really help you stand out when you're chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to places you’d love to work at, like Sodexo. A friendly email or call can make a huge difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay positive and keep learning! The culinary world is always evolving, so take advantage of online courses or workshops. It shows you're committed and ready to grow!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your professional chef experience and any culinary qualifications you have. We want to see how your skills can shine in our fast-paced kitchen!
Keep It Clean and Compliant:Don’t forget to mention your knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations. We take these standards seriously, so showing us that you’re on top of them will definitely work in your favour.
Team Player Vibes:Since you'll be working alongside military personnel and other team members, it’s important to convey your ability to thrive in a team-focused environment. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll get all the info you need about the role and our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Brush up on your culinary skills and be ready to discuss your experience in a fast-paced kitchen. Be prepared to share specific examples of dishes you've created or special events you've catered for, especially if they relate to military or government settings.
✨Food Safety First
Make sure you’re well-versed in food safety and hygiene regulations. During the interview, highlight your knowledge of EHO guidelines and any relevant qualifications you hold, like City & Guilds or NVQ certifications.
✨Team Player Vibes
Emphasise your ability to work in a team-focused environment. Share stories that showcase your collaboration with front-of-house staff or how you’ve handled high-pressure situations while maintaining quality service.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for cooking shine through! Talk about what drives you in the kitchen and how you strive to deliver top-quality meals. Mention any unique culinary techniques or styles you enjoy, as this can set you apart from other candidates.
