Sous Chef

Part Of Compass Group Uk&i; Llanfair-yn-Neubwll; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense service provider in the UK is seeking a passionate Sous Chef for their team at RAF Valley. This exciting role involves supporting the Head Chef in daily kitchen operations and ensuring high-quality meal preparation while leading and developing junior staff. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in a similar role and possess strong leadership and communication skills. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package including pension schemes, healthcare access, and discounts, supporting career growth in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Discounts on groceries

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards on spending

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar role as Sous Chef or strong Senior Chef de Partie.
• Passionate about developing people and raising food standards.
• Comfortable working early and late shifts.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Prepare, cook, and serve high-quality meals.
• Train and develop junior kitchen staff.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.
• Assist with menu planning and stock control.

Skills

Strong leadership

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Culinary qualifications

Flexible in shifts

Education

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.

• 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
  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.
• 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 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