Sous Chef

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services; Wattisham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension scheme

Career Pathways and MyLearning

Digital GP and wider healthcare

Travel and shopping discounts

Wellness and fitness classes

Job summary

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services is seeking a hands-on Sous Chef to support the day‑to‑day running of our catering operation at Wattisham Airfield. You will lead a capable kitchen team, delivering high‑quality meals for service personnel and supporting occasional events.

The role is 37.5 hours per week with a £33,500 salary and a focus on food safety, quality, and career development within a unique military setting.

Qualifications

• Previous Sous Chef or Senior Chef experience.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• Passion for quality food and great service.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead from the front in a busy kitchen environment.
• Prepare and deliver high-quality meals for service personnel.
• Support, coach and develop the kitchen team.
• Assist with functions and special events.
• Manage stock, food costs and minimise waste.
• Maintain excellent food safety and hygiene standards.

Skills

Leadership

Organisational skills

Food safety

Fast-paced environment

Job description

Shifts between 6am and 8pm

Sous Chef - Wattisham Airfield

£33,500 per annum | 37.5 Hours per Week

We're seeking a hands‑on Sous Chef to support the day‑to‑day running of our catering operation at Wattisham Airfield. You'll work alongside an established team, delivering high‑quality meals and supporting occasional functions while maintaining excellent food and service standards.

What You’ll Do

• Lead from the front in a busy kitchen environment
• Prepare and deliver high‑quality meals for service personnel
• Support, coach and develop the kitchen team
• Assist with functions and special events
• Manage stock, food costs and minimise waste
• Maintain excellent food safety and hygiene standards

What We’re Looking For

• Previous Sous Chef or Senior Chef experience
• Strong leadership and organisational skills
• Passion for quality food and great service
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment
• Knowledge of food safety and compliance standards

Why Join Us

• £33,500 salary on a 37.5‑hour contract
• Stable, secure role within contract catering
• Excellent work‑life balance
• Career development opportunities
• Supportive team environment
• Opportunity to work within a unique military setting

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

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/1310/95373001/52622265/R/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!