Hands-On Sous Chef — Lead High-Volume Catering

Compass Group UK; Exeter; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals

Onsite parking

Contributory pension scheme

Career development opportunities

Digital healthcare access

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to lead our catering operation in a fast-paced environment. You will be hands-on, support your team, and ensure high-quality meals and impeccable service. You’ll manage daily feeding and function activities while developing a dedicated team to uphold safety and cost targets.

The role emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and delivering consistent, nutritious meals with strong food hygiene standards in a busy setting.

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.
• Flexible and reliable with changing weekly schedules.
• Safety-first mindset with a passion for food.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and delivering high-quality 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 food hygiene, cleanliness and safety standards.
• Managing budgets and ensuring financial targets are met.
• Ensuring compliance with Food Safety and Health & Safety regulations.

Skills

Hands-on leadership

Team leadership

Organisational skills

Communication

Food safety

High-volume catering

Job description

Compass Group UK&I is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to lead our catering operation in a fast-paced environment. You will be hands-on, support your team, and ensure high-quality meals and impeccable service. You’ll manage daily feeding and function activities while developing a dedicated team to uphold safety and cost targets.

The role emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and delivering consistent, nutritious meals with strong food hygiene standards in a busy setting.