Sous Chef - Bassingbourn

Equipment Sales & Service Limited.; Wendy; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

Career progression

Healthcare benefits

Digital GP

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I ESS is seeking a talented Sous Chef to join our team at RAF Bassingbourn, supporting the Head Chef in delivering high-quality meals to Service Personnel in a demanding, contract catering environment.

You will lead and develop the kitchen team, ensure food safety and allergen compliance, and manage stock and cost controls in a stable, structured operation with clear progression opportunities.

Qualifications

• Previous Sous Chef, Senior Chef de Partie or similar leadership role.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Experience in high-volume or contract catering environments is advantageous.
• Knowledge of food safety, allergen management and kitchen compliance standards.
• Flexible, reliable and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day kitchen operation with Head Chef.
• Prepare and deliver fresh, nutritious meals.
• Supervise, motivate and develop kitchen team members.
• Maintain standards of food quality, presentation and service.
• Assist with stock management, ordering and food cost control.
• Ensure food safety and allergen management compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety knowledge

High-volume catering

Allergen management

Communication skills

Job description

Working closely with the Head Chef, you'll help lead the kitchen team, maintain exceptional food standards, and contribute to a positive and supportive workplace culture. Whether you're an established Sous Chef or a strong Senior Chef de Partie ready to progress, this role offers the chance to develop your skills within a stable and structured setting. What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting the Head Chef in leading the day-to-day kitchen operation
• Preparing and delivering fresh, nutritious, high-quality meals
• Supervising, motivating and developing members of the kitchen team
• Maintaining exceptional standards of food quality, presentation and service
• Assisting with stock management, ordering and food cost control
• Ensuring compliance with food safety, allergen management and health & safety standards
• Helping to create an efficient, organised and positive working environment
• Playing a key role in delivering an excellent dining experience for Service Personnel
• We're looking for a talented and motivated Sous Chef to join our team at RAF Bassingbourn. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced chef to play a key role in a professional catering operation, supporting the delivery of high-quality meals to Service Personnel in a unique and rewarding environment.
• Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Senior Chef de Partie or similar leadership role
• A passion for producing quality food and delivering excellent service
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Experience working within high-volume or contract catering environments is advantageous
• Knowledge of food safety, allergen management and kitchen compliance standards
• A positive and proactive attitude with a willingness to lead by example
• Flexible, reliable and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• 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.
• Competitive salary
• Great work-life balance compared to many hospitality environments
• Opportunities for career progression and professional development
• A supportive management team and positive working culture
• The chance to work within a structured and stable catering operation
• Access to training and development opportunities to help you grow your career
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference by supporting Service Personnel every day
• 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
• Please note: This role is contracted to weeks per year