Chef

Sodexo Group; Colchester; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing Support

Financial Benefits

Career Growth

Work Perks

Job summary

Sodexo Group in Colchester is seeking a professional Chef to join The Officers Mess, Merville Barracks, CO2 7UT, delivering high-quality meals in a Ministry of Defence environment alongside military personnel.

You will prepare, cook, and serve meals in a fast-paced kitchen, uphold food safety and hygiene standards, work with front-of-house colleagues, and contribute to high-profile events and bulk cooking with a focus on consistency and service excellence.

Qualifications

• Professional chef with catering or hospitality background.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation, cooking and service of meals in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and compliance with EHO guidelines.
• Collaborate with front-of-house team to deliver outstanding service.
• Cook and serve meals to military personnel with high standards daily.
• Oversee kitchen sanitation and ensure best practices are followed.
• Participate in high-profile events and special functions.
• Contribute to bulk cooking for consistency and quality.

Skills

Professional chef experience

Culinary qualifications

Food safety knowledge

Team player

High-pressure environment

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 & 2

NVQ Level 2/3

Tools

MS Office

Job description

• 35 hours per week
• 5 out of 7 per week
• £13.39 per hour
• Free Car parking

Check your local transport links here: Plan Your Journey | Traveline - the destination you should input is CO2 7UT

About the role:

Position: Chef at Sodexo, The Officers Mess, Merville Barracks, Circular Road South, Colchester, CO2 7UT

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:

Join Sodexo for more than just a job—be part of something bigger. You'll belong, have purpose, and make an impact every day. 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.

Join us and thrive in your own way!

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications