2nd Chef

Sodexo Ltd; Andover; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global food services company is hiring a Second Chef in Andover, UK, to lead kitchen operations at Swinton Barracks. This role involves supervising staff, ensuring food quality, and adhering to health guidelines while fostering a positive team environment. The ideal candidate should have relevant kitchen experience, NVQ Level 2/3, and a passion for culinary excellence. Competitive salary at £14.53/hour, with various training and development opportunities available.

Benefits

Fully funded apprenticeship qualifications

Wellbeing support resources

Financial benefits including discounts

Career growth opportunities

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in a busy kitchen environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Exposure to large-scale meal preparation.

Responsibilities

• Charge the kitchen in the absence of senior colleagues.
• Supervise preparation and duties of kitchen staff.
• Assist in ordering and stock control.
• Maintain EHO guidelines for kitchen safety.
• Maximize use of existing stock creatively.
• Collaborate with FOH team for service excellence.
• Train and develop kitchen team talent.
• Oversee sanitation practices.
• Prepare food to the highest standards.

Skills

NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent experience

Basic IT skills

Experience in menu planning

Bulk cooking experience

Desire to learn new culinary skills

Team-oriented attitude

Job description

• 40 hours per week
• Any 5 out of 7 days
• £14.53 per hour
• Sodexo rewards hub and discounts

Check your local transport links here:Plan Your Journey | Traveline - the destination you should input is SP11 9LQ.

Job Description

Join Our Team as a Second Chef at Sodexo in Swinton Barracks, Perham Down, SP11 9LQ. At Sodexo, we take pride in delivering exceptional culinary experiences for our armed forces personnel, ensuring they enjoy high-quality meals. As a Sous Chef, you’ll lead a dedicated team, share your expertise, and ensure food and beverage excellence.

What you’ll do

• Take charge of the kitchen in the absence of senior colleagues, offering guidance and support to the production team.
• Supervise the preparation and duties of commis chefs, chef de parties, and other kitchen staff, ensuring smooth operations.
• Assist in ordering, preparation, stock control, service running, and clean‑down duties.
• Maintain strict adherence to Environmental Health Officer (EHO) guidelines and systems to ensure a safe and efficient kitchen environment.
• Maximise the use of existing stock and demonstrate culinary innovation when needed.
• Collaborate with the Front of House (FOH) team to ensure a seamless and excellent service experience.
• Work alongside your kitchen team on the range, training, guiding, and developing talent.
• Oversee sanitation practices, ensuring all employees follow hygiene standards and regulations.
• Prepare, produce, and present food to the highest culinary standards, consistently exceeding expectations.

What you bring

• NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent experience in a busy kitchen environment.
• Basic IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Experience in menu planning and production.
• Exposure to bulk cooking and large‑scale meal preparation.
• A strong desire to learn and develop new culinary skills.
• A positive, approachable, and team‑oriented attitude.
• Even if you haven't held the title of ‘Sous Chef’ but have relevant experience, we’d love to hear from you!

What we offer

• On‑the‑job training with experienced professionals
• Fully funded apprenticeship qualifications
• Career development opportunities within Sodexo
• A friendly and supportive work environment
• 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.