Sous Chef

Sous Chef - Brompton Barracks, Medway

40 hours per week | 5 days out of 7

£34400 per annum

We’re recruiting an experienced and confident Sous Chef to join our large‑scale catering operation at Medway. This is a high‑profile role within a fast‑paced Defence environment, ideal for a chef with a hotel or events background who thrives on volume, variety, and leading teams.

You’ll be working primarily in the Main Mess, with opportunities to support and cover across the wider operation when required.

️ The RoleAs Sous Chef, you’ll play a key leadership role within the kitchen, supporting the Head Chef and ensuring smooth day‑to‑day operations across a large, multi‑kitchen site.

You’ll be hands‑on, highly organised, and confident managing people, standards, and service at scale.

Key ResponsibilitiesOversee all kitchen operations in the absence of the Head Chef

Lead from the front, ensuring high‑quality food preparation and presentation across all kitchens

Maintain and enforce food safety, hygiene, and Health & Safety standards

Support service delivery for both main mess catering and functions

Act as a positive role model, keeping kitchens organised, clean, and audit‑ready

Support recruitment activities including interviews, trials, and onboarding

Communicate regularly with the Head Chef regarding stock levels, ordering, and operational needs

Take a proactive, hands‑on approach to team leadership and service delivery

✅ About YouThis role would suit a Sous Chef who:

Has experience in a hotel, large‑scale, or function‑led environment

Is comfortable managing volume, multiple kitchens, and large teams

Enjoys being hands‑on and visible in the kitchen

Communicates confidently and works well as part of a senior kitchen team

Is organised, reliable, and adaptable in a structured environment

Is physically able to manage manual handling tasks such as stock and equipment

Is confident using Microsoft Office and Outlook

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, (url removed) 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/2905/(phone number removed)/(phone number removed)/R/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