Lead Sous Chef - High-Volume Catering & Team Leader

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services; Honington; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programmes

Digital GP access and wider healthcare

Exclusive travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Cinema discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness and fitness classes

Job summary

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services is recruiting a hands-on Sous Chef for RAF Honington, to lead a catering operation delivering high-quality meals for Service Personnel. The role combines frontline cooking with team development in a fast-paced, structured environment.

You will oversee daily feeding and function activities, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with food safety and health & safety standards in a high-volume setting.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Sous Chef or Senior Chef role.
• Hands-on leader who works alongside the team.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage a small team effectively and calmly under pressure.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing schedules.

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

High-volume catering

Food hygiene

Job description

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services is recruiting a hands-on Sous Chef for RAF Honington, to lead a catering operation delivering high-quality meals for Service Personnel. The role combines frontline cooking with team development in a fast-paced, structured environment.

You will oversee daily feeding and function activities, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with food safety and health & safety standards in a high-volume setting.