Sous Chef

Sous Chef – Royal Marines Stonehouse, Plymouth

Salary: £29,675 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Full-time | 5 days out of 7 (shifts between 06:30 and 20:00)

We are looking for a passionate and experienced  Sous Chef to support the culinary operation at Royal Marines Sonehouse. This is a hands on leadership role where you will assist in managing the kitchen team, ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and service are consistently delivered.

You will play a key part in menu delivery, food production, compliance, and the ongoing development of a skilled and motivated kitchen brigade.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in planning, preparing and delivering meals to agreed standards and service times
• Lead and supervise kitchen teams during shifts, ensuring smooth and efficient operations
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, and portion control
• Ensure full compliance with  Food Safety, Health & Safety, allergen, and hygiene standards
• Assist with stock control, ordering, waste management, and cost control
• Train, coach, and develop junior kitchen staff
• Deputise for the Head Chef when required
• Maintain accurate kitchen documentation, including temperature logs and cleaning schedules

About You

You are a committed culinary professional with strong organisational skills and a hands-on approach. You thrive in a structured but fast-paced environment and are comfortable leading teams while delivering consistent food quality.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience as a  Sous Chef or strong  Chef de Partie ready to step up
• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (essential)
• Strong understanding of food production methods and kitchen operations
• Experience working to set menus and service times
• Good communication and team leadership skills
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing operational needs

Desirable:

• Experience in contract catering or high-volume food service
• Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate
• Knowledge of allergens, nutrition and dietary requirements
• Previous experience in a defence, education, or healthcare setting

What We Offer

• Great work life balance
• Discounted concert tickets
• Access to 30,000+ national & local employee discounts
• AVIVA Digicare+
• Free meals on duty, free gym membership, free on-site car parking
• A stable, permanent role within a reputable contract catering organisation
• Structured working environment with clear processes and standards
• Opportunities for career development and progression
• Supportive management and team-focused culture

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:

• Free meals
• Onsite free car parking
• Subsidised gym membership
• Discounted Event tickets
• Wellness facilities
• 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.