Job Introduction
Sous Chef – Rock Barracks
📍 Location: Rock Barracks
💷 Pay: £16.65 per hour
⏰ Hours: 37.5 hours per week (no spread-over)
📅 Contract: 5 days out of 7
🗓 Weekends: 1 in 3
Shift Patterns
Weekdays:
Early: 06:00 – 14:00
Late: 10:30 – 18:30
Weekends:
09:00 – 17:30
We are currently recruiting an experienced and motivated Sous Chef to join our catering team at Rock Barracks. This role offers an excellent work–life balance, structured hours with no spread-over, and superb career development opportunities within a professional Defence catering environment.
As Sous Chef, you will support the Head Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, helping to deliver consistently high-quality, nutritious meals while leading and developing the kitchen team.
Key Responsibilities
Support the Head Chef with daily kitchen operations
Prepare, cook, and serve high-quality meals to service standards
Supervise, motivate, and develop kitchen staff
Maintain excellent food hygiene, safety, and cleanliness standards
Assist with menu planning, stock control, ordering, and allergen management
Ensure smooth and efficient service across all shift patterns
About You
Previous experience essential in a similar role (Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie)
Culinary qualifications desirable (City & Guilds / NVQ or equivalent)
Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills
Passion for great food and quality service
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/3001/95391001/52503117/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!