Hands-On Sous Chef: Lead a High-Volume Kitchen Team

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services; Yeovil; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension scheme

Career Pathways and MyLearning

Digital GP and wider healthcare

Exclusive travel discounts

Tesco/Sainsbury's/Morrisons discounts

Cinema discounts

Cash rewards scheme

Wellness and fitness classes

Job summary

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services at RNAS Yeovilton seeks an experienced Sous Chef to lead daily catering for Service Personnel in a fast-paced, structured environment. You will stay hands-on, guide your team, and ensure high-quality meals with meticulous presentation and service standards.

You’ll manage food ordering, stock, and waste while upholding food hygiene, safety, and budget targets. This role supports professional development within a trusted defence services provider and

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Sous Chef or Senior Chef role.
• Hands-on leader who enjoys working alongside 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, 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

Hands-on leadership

Team management

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Flexible scheduling

Food safety

Job description

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services at RNAS Yeovilton seeks an experienced Sous Chef to lead daily catering for Service Personnel in a fast-paced, structured environment. You will stay hands-on, guide your team, and ensure high-quality meals with meticulous presentation and service standards.

You’ll manage food ordering, stock, and waste while upholding food hygiene, safety, and budget targets. This role supports professional development within a trusted defence services provider and