Chef

Sodexo; Colchester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cycle to Work Scheme

Volunteering opportunities

Flexible work

Full training

Protective uniform

Job summary

Sodexo is recruiting for Chefs to join our catering team at Merville Barracks in Colchester, CO2 7UT. This on-site role involves preparing, cooking and serving meals to a high standard across multiple kitchens for military customers, with 35 hours per week and a 5-out-of-7 shift pattern.

The role requires a Level 2 Catering/Health qualification, good communication, teamwork, and attention to detail. Attendance at the mandatory Open Recruitment Day on 6 November 2026 is required before applying;

Qualifications

• A Level 2 qualification in Catering and Hospitality or NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery or equivalent.
• Good verbal communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to high standards.
• A Level 2 Food Safety qualification alone will not meet the essential qualification requirement.

Responsibilities

• Preparing, cooking and serving meals to a high standard following recipes and supervisory guidance.
• Supporting catering services across multiple kitchens and collaborating with military teams.
• Completing food preparation and assisting with food service as required.
• Maintaining food safety, cleanliness and hygiene standards.
• Ensuring equipment and work areas are used and cleaned safely.
• Providing friendly, professional customer service and responding to queries.
• Following health and safety procedures and COSHH regulations.
• Completing required training and developing culinary skills.

Skills

Verbal communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Flexible approach

Education

Level 2 in Catering and Hospitality

NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery

Equivalent qualification

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

• 35 hours per week
• 5 out of 7 days per week (Monday to Sunday)
• £13.39 per hour
• Car parking on site
• Use of Gym on site

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

About the role:

Are you a passionate Chef who takes pride in preparing and serving great food? Sodexo is looking for talented Chefs to join our catering team at Merville Barracks in Colchester, CO2 7UT.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team during a period of change, delivering high-quality catering services to our military customers across multiple kitchens. If you enjoy working in a busy catering environment, take pride in your standards and want to develop your skills, we’d love to meet you!

Important: Open Recruitment Day – 6 November 2026

Attendance at our open recruitment day is mandatory for all candidates wishing to be considered for these Chef positions.

During the event, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the Chef vacancies, the contract, the working environment and the opportunities available to develop and progress your career. You will also have the opportunity to meet the team and take part in the recruitment process.

Please ensure you are available to attend on this date before applying.

What you’ll do:

As a Chef, you will play an important role in delivering an excellent catering service to our customers. Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing, cooking and serving meals to a high standard, following recipes and guidance from the supervisory team.

• Supporting the delivery of catering services across our kitchens and working collaboratively with military catering teams.

• Completing food preparation and assisting with food service as required.

• Maintaining excellent food safety, cleanliness and personal hygiene standards.

• Ensuring equipment, work areas and food service areas are used, cleaned and maintained safely.

• Providing friendly, professional customer service and responding appropriately to customer queries.

• Following company procedures, health and safety requirements and COSHH regulations.

• Completing required training and continuing to develop your culinary skills.

What we’re looking for:

• A Level 2 qualification in Catering and Hospitality, NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery, or an equivalent relevant qualification.

• Good verbal communication skills.

• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards.

• A positive, flexible approach to work.

Please note: A Level 2 Food Safety qualification alone, or another unrelated Level 2 qualification, will not meet the essential qualification requirement.

Previous experience in the catering or hospitality industry would be an advantage.

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