Chef

Sodexo Ltd; Colchester (VT); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing support

Discounts for you and family

Career growth

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

Sodexo Ltd is recruiting at Merville Barracks, Colchester for Chef roles to deliver high-quality catering across multiple kitchens. The role includes cooking, serving meals, and maintaining safety standards in a busy environment, with on-site facilities and open recruitment events.

You will join a team delivering catering services to military customers, following recipes and leadership guidance, and developing culinary skills through ongoing training and practice.

Qualifications

• A Level 2 qualification in Catering and Hospitality is required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent attention to detail and high standards.
• Positive and flexible approach to work.
• Note: Level 2 Food Safety alone does not meet essential requirement.

Responsibilities

• Preparing, cooking and serving meals to a high standard following recipes and supervisor guidance.
• Supporting catering across multiple kitchens and collaborating with teams.
• Completing food prep and assisting with service as required.
• Maintaining food safety, cleanliness and personal hygiene to a high standard.
• Ensuring equipment and work areas are cleaned and maintained safely.
• Providing friendly, professional customer service and responding to queries.
• Following COSHH regulations and health and safety requirements.
• Completing required training and developing culinary skills.

Skills

Independent worker

Attention to detail

Flexible

Team player

Education

Level 2 Catering/Hospitality qualification

Tools

MS Office

Job description

5 out of 7 days per week (Monday to Sunday)

£13.39 per hour

Use of Gym on site

Check your local transport linkshere:

Plan Your Journey | Traveline- the destination you shouldinput is Colchester, CO2 7UT

About the role:

Chefwho takes pride in preparing and serving great food? Sodexo is looking for talented Chefs to join our catering team at

Merville Barracks in Colchester, CO2 7UT.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team during a period of change, delivering high-quality catering services to our military customers across multiple kitchens. If you enjoy working in a busy catering environment, take pride in your standards and want to develop your skills, we’d love to meet you!

Important: Open Recruitment Day – 6 November 2026

Attendance at our open recruitment day is mandatory for all candidates wishing to be considered for these Chef positions.

During the event, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the Chef vacancies, the contract, the working environment and the opportunities available to develop and progress your career. You will also have the opportunity to meet the team and take part in the recruitment process.

Please ensure you are available to attend on this date before applying.

What you’ll do:

As a Chef, you will play an important role in delivering an excellent catering service to our customers. Your responsibilities will include:

Preparing, cooking and serving meals to a high standard, following recipes and guidance from the supervisory team.

Supporting the delivery of catering services across our kitchens and working collaboratively with military catering teams.

Completing food preparation and assisting with food service as required.

Maintaining excellent food safety, cleanliness and personal hygiene standards.

Ensuring equipment, work areas and food service areas are used, cleaned and maintained safely.

Providing friendly, professional customer service and responding appropriately to customer queries.

Following company procedures, health and safety requirements and COSHH regulations.

Completing required training and continuing to develop your culinary skills.

What we’re looking for:

A Level 2 qualification in Catering and Hospitality, NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery, or an equivalent relevant qualification.

The ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards.

A positive, flexible approach to work.

Please note: A Level 2 Food Safety qualification alone, or another unrelated Level 2 qualification, will not meet the essential qualification requirement.

Previous experience in the catering or hospitality industry would be an advantage.

• Experience working in military or government catering
• IOSH qualification or equivalent
• Knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

What we offer:

Join Sodexo for morethan just a job - be part of something bigger. You'll belong, have purpose, andmake an impact every day. We offer:

• Wellbeing Support – Unlimited online resources, a free health app with 24/7 virtual GP, and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Financial Benefits – Discounts for you and your family, salary finance support, retirement plan, and a death-in-service benefit.
• Career Growth – Apprenticeships, learning tools, and development opportunities.
• Work Perks – Cycle to Work Scheme, volunteering opportunities, flexible work, full training, and a protective uniform.

Join us and thrive in your own way!