Hands-On Sous Chef for High-Volume Catering

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services; Bassingbourn; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services, part of Compass Group UK&I, is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to lead our catering operation for Service Personnel. This hands-on role combines kitchen leadership with delivering high-quality, nutritious meals in a fast-paced, structured environment.

You will manage daily feeding and function activities, support and develop a small team, ensure food hygiene and safety, and manage costs and stock while maintaining service standards across all meals

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Sous Chef or Senior Chef role.
• A hands-on leader who enjoys working alongside their team.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• The ability to manage a small team effectively and responsibly.
• Calm under pressure and confident in a high-volume catering environment.
• Reliable, flexible, and able to adapt to changing weekly schedules.
• A safety-first mindset with a genuine passion for food.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and delivering high-quality, nutritious meals for Service Personnel
• Leading from the front in a hands-on Sous Chef role
• Managing daily feeding and function activities
• Supporting, motivating, and developing a team
• Ensuring excellent food presentation, consistency, and service standards
• Managing food ordering, stock control, and minimising waste
• Maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and safety
• Managing budgets and ensuring financial targets are met
• Ensuring full compliance with Food Safety and Health & Safety regulations

Skills

Sous Chef experience

Hands-on leadership

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Team management

Calm under pressure

Job description

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services, part of Compass Group UK&I, is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to lead our catering operation for Service Personnel. This hands-on role combines kitchen leadership with delivering high-quality, nutritious meals in a fast-paced, structured environment.

You will manage daily feeding and function activities, support and develop a small team, ensure food hygiene and safety, and manage costs and stock while maintaining service standards across all meals