Sous Chef: Lead High-Volume Kitchen at RAF Bassingbourn

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services; Bassingbourn; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension scheme

Career development opportunities

Staff meals and discounts

Wellbeing and wellness programmes

Career progression within a stable,**

Job summary

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services is recruiting a Sous Chef for Bassingbourn Barracks to lead the kitchen team and deliver high‑quality meals for Service Personnel in a structured environment.

You’ll work closely with the Head Chef, ensuring food safety and allergen compliance while maintaining excellent standards, cost control, and a positive work culture in a busy, contract catering setting.

Qualifications

• Experience as Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a leadership role.
• Ability to lead a kitchen team and deliver high-quality meals.
• Knowledge of food safety, allergens and health & safety standards.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Prepare and deliver fresh, nutritious, high-quality meals.
• Supervise, motivate and develop kitchen staff.
• Maintain exceptional standards of food quality, presentation and service.
• Assist with stock management, ordering and food cost control.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, allergen management and health & safety standards.
• Help create an efficient, organised and positive working environment.
• Contribute to delivering an excellent dining experience for Service Personnel.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety knowledge

Organisational skills

Communication skills

High-volume contract catering

Tools

Kitchen equipment handling

Allergen management

Job description

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services is recruiting a Sous Chef for Bassingbourn Barracks to lead the kitchen team and deliver high‑quality meals for Service Personnel in a structured environment.

You’ll work closely with the Head Chef, ensuring food safety and allergen compliance while maintaining excellent standards, cost control, and a positive work culture in a busy, contract catering setting.