Sous Chef

Compass Group UK & Ireland; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in Basingstoke is seeking a passionate Sous Chef for a fixed-term contract until January 2027. In this role, you will support the Chef Manager in delivering high-quality, visually appealing food while fostering a positive kitchen culture. The ideal candidate has experience in quality-focused environments and strong organizational skills. You will also mentor junior chefs and ensure compliance with food safety practices. A competitive hourly wage is offered.

Benefits

Exciting culinary pathways

Real-time mentoring

Hands-on experience

Chance to earn recognized qualifications

Qualifications

• Confident Sous Chef with experience in contract catering.
• Love for modern techniques and bold flavours.
• Ability to maintain high standards of food hygiene.

Responsibilities

• Support the Chef Manager with food quality and presentation.
• Help shape menus that focus on quality ingredients.
• Maintain smooth kitchen operations with stock control.
• Support training and mentoring of junior chefs.

Skills

Experience in quality-focused kitchens

Strong organizational skills

Passion for developing others

Knowledge of food safety

Understanding of portioning, food cost, and waste control

Job description

Sous Chef - Weekdays only!

Fixed Term Contract until January 2027

Location: Basingstoke

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 7:00 to 15:00

Salary: Up to £15.00 per hour depending on experience

For more information about careers at Dine Contract Catering and our benefits please visit: Careers at Dine Contract Catering

Are you ready to bring your culinary talent to the next level in a vibrant kitchen where creativity, collaboration, and excellence are always on the menu?

We’re looking for a passionate Sous Chef who lives and breathes food to join our Dine team in Basingstoke. Someone who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, supports their Chef Manager with confidence, and brings both skill and flair to every service. This role is perfect for a driven chef ready to help shape exceptional dining experiences while leading by example.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Chef Manager in delivering food that’s full of flavour, consistency, and visual appeal across varied service formats, from wholesome grab and go to elegant plated dishes.
• Stay curious – help shape menus that celebrate quality ingredients and smart nutritional choices.
• Help foster a positive, high‑performing kitchen culture where culinary standards are championed every day.
• Assist with ordering, stock control, and kitchen organization to ensure smooth, efficient operations.
• Maintain best‑in‑class food hygiene and safety, with presentation that always feels considered.
• Support training, mentoring, and the development of junior chefs within the brigade.

What you’ll bring to the table

• A confident Sous Chef with experience in quality‑focused kitchens ideally within a contract catering business.
• A love for food that’s both nourishing and exciting, think modern techniques, bold flavours, and balanced plates.
• Strong organisational skills – you know your way around a rota, prep list, and stockroom.
• Passion for developing others, you lead by example and raise the bar
• A sharp eye for food safety, consistency, and detail.
• Knowledge of portioning, food cost and waste control, flavour should be smart as well as satisfying.

Hungry for more?

We also offer exciting culinary pathways for team members who want to level up. With real‑time mentoring, hands‑on experience, and the chance to earn recognised qualifications, it’s a delicious way to grow your skills while doing what you love.

Job Reference: com/0501/99814001/52781941/SU #DINE

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!