Hands-On Sous Chef: High-Volume Catering Leader

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services; Reading; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services is seeking an experienced, hands-on Sous Chef to lead our catering operation. This role is ideal for a strong kitchen leader who enjoys being on the tools, supporting their team, and delivering high-quality food in a fast-paced, structured environment.

You’ll supervise daily feeding and function activities, develop a dedicated team, manage food ordering, stock, and waste, and ensure food hygiene and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in a Sous Chef or Senior Chef role
• Hands-on leader who enjoys working with their team
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Ability to manage a small team effectively and responsibly
• Calm under pressure in a high-volume catering environment
• Reliable and flexible with changing weekly schedules
• A safety-first mindset with a 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 high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and safety
• Managing budgets and ensuring financial targets are met
• Compliance with Food Safety and Health & Safety regulations

Skills

Hands-on leadership

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Team management

Calm under pressure

Reliability & flexibility

Food safety mindset

Job description

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services is seeking an experienced, hands-on Sous Chef to lead our catering operation. This role is ideal for a strong kitchen leader who enjoys being on the tools, supporting their team, and delivering high-quality food in a fast-paced, structured environment.

You’ll supervise daily feeding and function activities, develop a dedicated team, manage food ordering, stock, and waste, and ensure food hygiene and safety standards.