Chef

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

Job summary

A national catering service is looking for a Chef in Colchester. In a unique Ministry of Defence environment, you will prepare high-quality meals for military personnel while maintaining top food safety standards. Ideal candidates will have professional chef experience and recognized culinary qualifications. This position offers comprehensive wellbeing support, career growth opportunities, and work perks like flexible hours.

Benefits

Wellbeing support

Financial benefits

Career growth opportunities

Work perks like flexible work

Qualifications

• Professional chef experience in a catering or hospitality setting.
• Recognised culinary qualifications such as NVQ Level 2.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and health regulations.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation, cooking, and service of meals in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety and hygiene.
• Cook and serve meals to military personnel.

Skills

Culinary skills

Food safety knowledge

Teamwork

High-pressure environment

Customer service

Education

NVQ Level 2/3

City & Guilds 706/1 & 2

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

Overview

• 35 hours per week
• Shift pattern/ hours- Monday to Friday
• £13.00 per hour
• Access to Sodexo rewards hub and discounts
• Minimum Level 2 NVQ in Catering required for this role.

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

About the role

Position: Chef at Sodexo, at Merville Barracks, Circular Road South, Colchester, Essex 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!