Sous Chef

Compass Group PLC; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Career development

Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Cinema discounts

Cashback rewards

Wellness classes

Discounts for family

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I, ESS Defence, Government and Energy services sector, is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to lead a catering operation on-site. You will manage a dedicated team, support weekly schedules, and deliver high-quality meals while maintaining safety and hygiene standards.

You will be hands-on, lead by example, and drive food quality, presentation, and cost controls in a fast-paced environment. This role offers opportunities to grow with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Sous Chef or Senior Chef role.
• A hands-on leader who enjoys working alongside their team.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• The ability to manage a small team effectively and responsibly.
• Calm under pressure and confident in a high-volume catering environment.
• Reliable, flexible, and able to adapt to changing weekly schedules.
• A safety-first mindset with a genuine passion for food.

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

Team management

Pressure handling

Food safety

Job description

We're looking for an experienced, hands‑on Sous Chef to lead our catering operation. This is a fantastic opportunity for a strong kitchen leader who enjoys being on the tools, supporting their team, and delivering high-quality food in a fast-paced, structured environment. You'll be responsible for daily feeding and function activities while leading and developing a dedicated team. What you'll be doing

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

Requirements

• Proven experience in a Sous Chef or Senior Chef role
• A hands‑on leader who enjoys working alongside their team
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• The ability to manage a small team effectively and responsibly
• Calm under pressure and confident in a high-volume catering environment
• Reliable, flexible, and able to adapt to changing weekly schedules
• A safety‑first mindset with a genuine passion for food

About the company

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.

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