Hands-On Sous Chef – Lead High-Volume Catering Team

Chartwells Independent; Gosport; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension scheme

Career Pathways and MyLearning

Digital GP and wider healthcare

Exclusive travel discounts

Discounts on groceries

Cinema discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I ESS is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to lead our Defence catering operation, balancing hands-on cooking with team leadership in a fast-paced, structured environment.

You will oversee daily feeding and function events, coach a small kitchen team, maintain food hygiene standards, control stock and budgets, and ensure consistent high-quality service for Service Personnel.

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.

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

Food safety mindset

Job description

Compass Group UK&I ESS is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to lead our Defence catering operation, balancing hands-on cooking with team leadership in a fast-paced, structured environment.

You will oversee daily feeding and function events, coach a small kitchen team, maintain food hygiene standards, control stock and budgets, and ensure consistent high-quality service for Service Personnel.