Sous Chef

Sous Chef – Hamworthy Barracks (Junior Ranks)
💷 Pay: £32,161 per annum
⏰ Hours: 40 hours per week
📅 Working Pattern: 5 days over 7

Shift Pattern
Early: 05:00 – 14:30
Late: 10:30 – 19:00

Meal Service (Approx. 100 covers)
Breakfast: 06:30 – 08:00
Lunch: 12:15 – 13:30
Evening Meal: 17:30 – 18:30

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Sous Chef to join our catering team at Hamworthy Barracks, supporting the delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals for up to 100 military personnel within the Junior Ranks dining facility.

This is a great opportunity to work within a structured Defence environment, leading a small, close-knit kitchen team of 5.

• Support the Head Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchen
• Prepare, cook, and serve high-quality meals across all services
• Supervise and support a team of 5 kitchen staff, ensuring consistency and standards
• Maintain excellent food hygiene, health & safety, and cleanliness practices
• Assist with menu planning, stock control, ordering, and allergen management
• Ensure smooth and efficient service delivery during all meal periods
• Contribute to a positive team environment and uphold Defence catering standards

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or strong Senior Chef de Partie
• Experience in high-volume or contract catering environments desirable
• Relevant culinary qualifications (City & Guilds / NVQ or equivalent) preferred
• Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills
• Passion for delivering quality, nutritious meals
• Flexible, reliable, and comfortable working early and late shifts

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/0105/95935001/51996390/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!