Chef

Sodexo; Bicester; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking on site

Job summary

Sodexo at St Davids Barracks, Bicester is seeking a professional chef to join our on-site kitchen team, preparing meals for military personnel in a busy, varied environment.

You will specialise in batch cooking, manage large quantities with consistent quality, and work flexibly across 5 days a week, upholding food safety and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Professional chef experience with batch cooking and large-volume meals.
• Recognised culinary qualifications (City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ Level 2/3).
• Strong knowledge of food safety, allergens, hygiene and health & safety.

Responsibilities

• Cook, prepare and serve meals that meet high standards for the Armed Forces community.
• Use batch cooking skills to produce large quantities with consistent quality.
• Organise preparation and cooking times to meet demand in a busy kitchen.

Skills

Batch cooking

Large quantities

Food safety

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 & 2

NVQ Level 2/3

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Job description

Chef – St Davids Barracks, Bicester

• £16.74 per hour
• 37 hours per week
• Working 5 days out of 7
• Flexible shift patterns
• Free parking on site
• Location: St Davids Barracks, Bicester, OX26 6HF

Bring your passion to the kitchen. Help fuel the Armed Forces community.

Looking for a chef role where your skills make a difference every day? Join Sodexo at St Davids Barracks and become part of a team delivering delicious, nutritious meals to the military personnel who live, work and train on site.

From busy daily meal services to special functions and events, you’ll have the opportunity to put your cooking skills to work in a varied and rewarding environment. You’ll help keep service running smoothly, take pride in every plate and work alongside colleagues who share your commitment to great food.

Experience in batch cooking is essential. You must be confident preparing and cooking meals in large quantities, maintaining consistent quality, flavour and food safety throughout every service.

What you’ll do

• Cook with purpose – Prepare, cook and serve tasty, well-presented meals that support the needs of the Armed Forces community.
• Deliver quality at scale – Use your batch cooking skills to produce large quantities of food, ensuring every portion meets the same high standard.
• Keep service running smoothly – Organise preparation and cooking times to meet demand in a busy kitchen.
• Bring something special to events – Support military functions and special occasions, showcasing your skills across different menus and service styles.
• Put food safety first – Follow food hygiene, allergen and health and safety procedures, maintaining a clean and organised kitchen.
• Work as one team – Collaborate with kitchen and front‑of‑house colleagues to deliver a welcoming, efficient service.

What you’ll bring

• Professional chef experience, including proven experience of batch cooking and preparing meals in large quantities.
• Recognised culinary qualifications, such as City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ Level 2/3.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, allergens, hygiene and health and safety requirements.
• The ability to manage your workload and maintain high standards during busy services.
• A positive, practical approach and a willingness to support your colleagues.
• A passion for good food and pride in delivering meals people enjoy.

It would also be great if you have:

• Experience in military or government catering.
• An IOSH qualification or equivalent.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

What we offer

At Sodexo, you’ll join a welcoming team with opportunities to build your skills and develop your career. Our rewards and benefits include:

• Wellbeing support – Online resources, a health app with 24/7 virtual GP access, and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Financial benefits – Discounts for you and your family, salary finance support, a retirement plan and death-in-service benefit.
• Career development – Apprenticeships, learning tools and opportunities to grow.
• Everyday extras – Cycle to Work Scheme, volunteering opportunities, training and a protective uniform.

Check your local transport links: Plan Your Journey | Traveline – enter OX26 6HF as your destination.

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.