Sous Chef

Compass Group PLC; Holyhead; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company is looking for a passionate Sous Chef to join their team at RAF Valley. You will support the Head Chef, lead junior kitchen staff, and ensure high-quality meals are prepared and served. Ideal candidates should have experience in a similar role, and culinary qualifications are desirable. The position offers a supportive environment with opportunities for growth, work-life balance, and various employee benefits including a pension scheme and discounts.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness classes

Qualifications

• Previous experience as Sous Chef or strong Senior Chef de Partie.
• Passionate about developing people and raising food standards.
• Flexible, reliable, comfortable working early and late shifts.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in running a busy kitchen.
• Prepare, cook, and serve high-quality meals.
• Lead, train, and develop junior kitchen staff.
• Maintain and improve culinary standards.
• Supervise a team of 20 with 6 direct reports.
• Assist with menu planning and allergen management.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Culinary skills

Education

Culinary qualifications (City & Guilds / NVQ or equivalent)

Job description

We are recruiting a passionate and driven Sous Chef to join our team at RAF Valley. This is an exciting opportunity within the Defence sector, offering a supportive environment where you can make a real impact on food quality, team development, and operational standards. This role will see you grow and develop junior members of the kitchen team, with a strong focus on upskilling, mentoring, and driving culinary standards to the next level. The site benefits from a reduced workload over the Christmas period, supporting a healthy work-life balance.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in the day-to-day running of a busy kitchen.
• Prepare, cook, and serve high-quality, nutritious meals across all services.
• Lead, train, and develop junior kitchen staff, fostering skills and confidence.
• Maintain and improve culinary standards, presentation, and consistency.
• Supervise a team of 20, with 6 direct reports.
• Assist with menu planning, stock control, ordering, and allergen management.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and Health & Safety standards.
• Deliver efficient service across all shift patterns.

Qualifications

• Previous experience essential in a similar role (Sous Chef or strong Senior Chef de Partie).
• Culinary qualifications desirable (City & Guilds / NVQ or equivalent).
• Passionate about developing people and raising food standards.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• Flexible, reliable, and comfortable working early and late shifts.

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.
• Unwind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes.
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families.