Sous Chef

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services; Grantham; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Healthcare benefits

Travel discounts

Cinema tickets discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness and exercise classes

Family discounts

Job summary

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services is recruiting a Sous Chef for Prince William of Gloucester Barracks to join a professional defence catering team. You will work closely with the Head Chef to deliver nutritious meals to service personnel, taking a lead role in the kitchen.

Based in Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, the role involves 37.5 hours per week with a 5-on/2-off pattern across early, mid and late shifts.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a similar role (Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie).
• Culinary qualifications desirable (City & Guilds, NVQ, or equivalent).
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• Flexible, reliable and able to work early, mid and late shifts.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in the daily kitchen operations.
• Prepare, cook and serve high-quality meals across services.
• Lead, supervise and inspire the kitchen team.
• Maintain hygiene, safety and cleanliness standards.
• Assist with menu planning, stock control, and allergen management.
• Ensure smooth service across all shift patterns.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Education

City & Guilds / NVQ or equivalent

Job description

Sous Chef – Prince William of Gloucester Barracks

Location: Prince William of Gloucester Barracks

Salary: £30,300 per annum (based on 37.5 hours per week)

Hours: 37.5 per week

Working Pattern: 5 days over 7, between 6am and 8pm (rota basis)

About The Role

We are looking for a talented and driven Sous Chef to join our catering team within a professional Defence environment. This is an exciting opportunity to step into a key leadership position, working closely with the Head Chef to deliver consistently high-quality, nutritious meals to service personnel.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in the daily running of the kitchen
• Prepare, cook, and serve high-quality meals across all services
• Lead, supervise, and inspire the kitchen team
• Maintain excellent food hygiene, safety, and cleanliness standards
• Assist with menu planning, stock control, ordering, and allergen management
• Ensure smooth and efficient service across all shift patterns
• Uphold and continuously improve culinary standards

About You

• Proven experience in a similar role (Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie)
• Relevant culinary qualifications (City & Guilds, NVQ, or equivalent) – desirable
• Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills
• Passionate about food quality and service excellence
• Flexible, reliable, and comfortable working early, mid, and late shifts

Why Join Us?

• Stable, structured working environment
• Opportunity to develop leadership skills
• Work as part of a supportive and professional catering team

Benefits

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmesQuick 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

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/1809/95125001/52347731/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!