Sous Chef

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services; Bassingbourn; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

Career development & training

Digital GP & healthcare benefits

Discounts (travel, cinema, shopping)

Wellness & fitness classes

Job summary

ESS, part of Compass Group UK&I, operates defence and government catering at RAF Bassingbourn. We are seeking a Sous Chef to lead the kitchen alongside the Head Chef, delivering high-quality meals to Service Personnel in a structured environment.

You will drive food safety, stock control and team development, ensuring efficient service in a demanding setting. A strong leader with a passion for quality food will thrive here.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Senior Chef de Partie or similar leadership role.
• Passion for producing quality food and delivering excellent service.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Experience in high-volume or contract catering environments is advantageous.
• Knowledge of food safety, allergen management and kitchen compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day kitchen operation with Head Chef.
• Prepare and deliver fresh, high-quality meals.
• Supervise, motivate and develop kitchen team members.
• Maintain exceptional food quality, presentation and service.

Skills

Sous chef leadership

High-volume kitchen

Food safety

Team development

Communication

Job description

£32000 per annum/ 5 out of 7

We're looking for a talented and motivated Sous Chef to join our team at RAF Bassingbourn. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced chef to play a key role in a professional catering operation, supporting the delivery of high-quality meals to Service Personnel in a unique and rewarding environment.

Working closely with the Head Chef, you'll help lead the kitchen team, maintain exceptional food standards, and contribute to a positive and supportive workplace culture. Whether you're an established Sous Chef or a strong Senior Chef de Partie ready to progress, this role offers the chance to develop your skills within a stable and structured setting.

What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting the Head Chef in leading the day-to-day kitchen operation
• Preparing and delivering fresh, nutritious, high-quality meals
• Supervising, motivating and developing members of the kitchen team
• Maintaining exceptional standards of food quality, presentation and service
• Assisting with stock management, ordering and food cost control
• Ensuring compliance with food safety, allergen management and health & safety standards
• Helping to create an efficient, organised and positive working environment
• Playing a key role in delivering an excellent dining experience for Service Personnel

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Senior Chef de Partie or similar leadership role
• A passion for producing quality food and delivering excellent service
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Experience working within high-volume or contract catering environments is advantageous
• Knowledge of food safety, allergen management and kitchen compliance standards
• A positive and proactive attitude with a willingness to lead by example
• Flexible, reliable and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment

What's In It For You?

• Competitive salary
• Great work-life balance compared to many hospitality environments
• Opportunities for career progression and professional development
• A supportive management team and positive working culture
• The chance to work within a structured and stable catering operation
• Access to training and development opportunities to help you grow your career
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference by supporting Service Personnel every day

Benefits

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

Please note: This role is contracted to weeks per year

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, ESS is the Defence, Government, and Energy services sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland. We support 250+ UK military establishments, high profile police, secure environments and government sites, along with a range of onshore and offshore facilities including platforms, drilling rigs, floatels and offices for the energy sector. We know that a friendly face makes all the difference, so we look for people who are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, at all levels, to join our teams.

Job Reference: com/0510/96047001/52626042/R/SU #Defence

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!