Sous Chef

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services; Valley; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering service provider is seeking a passionate Sous Chef to join their team at RAF Valley, offering a supportive environment that emphasizes food quality and team development. The role includes leading a team of junior staff, creative menu planning, and ensuring high culinary standards. Benefits include a comprehensive package, digital healthcare access, and career growth opportunities. Flexible working hours are required, with a focus on maintaining excellent service standards across various meal services.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career pathways and learning programs

Digital GP access and wider healthcare benefits

Exclusive travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards for spending

Free wellness classes

Qualifications

• Previous experience essential in a similar role (Sous Chef or strong Senior Chef de Partie).
• Passionate about developing people and raising food standards.
• Flexible, reliable, and comfortable working early and late shifts.

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.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Culinary qualifications (City & Guilds / NVQ or equivalent)

Job description

Sous Chef – RAF Valley

📍 Location: RAF Valley

⏰ Hours: 37.5 hours per week

📅 Working Pattern: 5 days over 7

💷 Pay: £16.15 per hour

Shift Patterns

• Early Shift: 05:00 – 13:30
• Late Shift: 13:00 – 21:00

Meal Service Times

• Breakfast: 06:00 – 08:30
• Lunch: 11:30 – 13:30
• Evening Meal: 17:30 – 20:30

Catering for up to 50 Service Personnel per day.

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.

Key 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

About You

• 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

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 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

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/1812/94644001/52781792/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!