Sous Chef

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services; Chippenham; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-site parking

Career development opportunities

Job summary

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services is seeking a Sous Chef for Buckley Barracks. The role involves supporting daily kitchen operations, preparing high-quality meals, and maintaining food safety standards in a structured, team-driven environment.

You will work closely with another Sous Chef, contribute to menu delivery, stock control, and cost management, while delivering excellent customer experiences and sustaining a positive work-life balance for the team.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Sous Chef or similar role.
• Strong culinary skills and attention to detail.
• Good understanding of food safety and kitchen standards.
• Positive, hands-on leadership.
• Ability to work well in a small team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook fresh, high-quality meals.
• Support daily food service and kitchen operations.
• Work with the team to ensure consistency and efficiency.
• Assist with menu delivery, stock management, and food cost control.
• Uphold food safety and health & safety standards.
• Lead by example and mentor kitchen staff.
• Contribute ideas to enhance the food offer.

Skills

Culinary excellence

Food safety

Leadership

Attention to detail

Team player

Job description

37.5 hours per week/ £32,000 per annum

Sous Chef – Buckley Barracks

1 in 4 weekends, shifts between 6am and 8.30pm

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary
• 40-hour working week
• Predominantly daytime shifts with a structured rota
• Free on-site parking
• A supportive kitchen team with genuine work-life balance
• Career development and progression opportunities within a leading contract catering business
• Stable, long-term contract environment

What you'll be doing

As Sous Chef, you'll support the day-to-day running of the kitchen, helping to deliver consistently high standards while creating a positive experience for customers and colleagues alike.

You’ll Be

• Preparing and cooking fresh, high-quality meals
• Supporting the smooth running of daily food service
• Working closely with the other Sous Chef to ensure consistency and efficiency
• Assisting with menu delivery, stock management, ordering, and food cost control
• Maintaining excellent food safety and health & safety standards
• Leading by example and supporting the development of kitchen team members
• Contributing ideas to enhance the food offer and customer experience

What we're looking for

We're interested in chefs who bring energy, professionalism, and a genuine passion for great food.

You’ll Ideally Have

• Experience as a Sous Chef, Junior Sous Chef, or Senior Chef de Partie
• Strong culinary skills and attention to detail
• A positive, hands-on approach to leadership
• Good understanding of food safety, compliance, and kitchen standards
• The ability to work well within a small, supportive team environment
• A desire to learn, develop, and progress your career

Why join us?

This role offers the opportunity to be part of a well-established operation without the pressures often associated with large-volume catering environments. You'll be joining a collaborative team where you can focus on delivering great food, developing your skills, and achieving a healthy work-life balance.

If you're ready for your next step and want to join a business that invests in its people, we'd love to hear from you.

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/0611/95661001/52844881/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!