Chef

Sodexo France; Colchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering provider in the UK is seeking a Chef for a rewarding role at Merville Barracks, Colchester. You'll prepare high-quality meals in a Ministry of Defence setting, supporting military personnel and exciting functions. The ideal candidate will have professional chef experience, recognized culinary qualifications, and strong knowledge of food safety regulations. Join us in making a significant impact while enjoying excellent perks and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Wellbeing Support – unlimited online resources and a free health app

Financial Benefits – discounts and retirement plan

Career Growth – apprenticeships and learning tools

Work Perks – flexible work and training

Qualifications

• Experience in a fast-paced kitchen preparing meals.
• Maintaining high food safety and hygiene standards.
• Ability to oversee kitchen sanitation.

Responsibilities

• Assist in meal preparation and service in a military environment.
• Cook and serve meals to military personnel.
• Be part of high-profile events showcasing culinary skills.

Skills

Professional chef experience in a catering or hospitality setting

Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and health regulations

Ability to work in a high-pressure, team-focused environment

Education

Recognised culinary qualifications (City & Guilds 706/1 & 2, NVQ Level 2/3)

Tools

Knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

Overview

Position: Chef at Sodexo, Merville Barracks, Circular Road South, Colchester, CO2 7UT

Join our team for a unique and rewarding catering role in a Ministry of Defence (MOD) environment, where you’ll work alongside military personnel, preparing high-quality meals and supporting exciting functions. This is an opportunity to be part of something bigger, using your culinary skills to make a real impact in a fast-paced, professional setting.

What you’ll do

• Assist in the preparation, cooking, and service of meals in a fast-paced kitchen
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety and hygiene, ensuring full compliance with EHO guidelines
• Work alongside the front-of-house team to deliver outstanding service
• Cook and serve meals to military personnel, delivering high standards every day
• Oversee kitchen sanitation and ensure best practices are always followed
• Be part of high-profile events and special functions, showcasing your culinary expertise
• Take part in bulk cooking, ensuring consistency and quality in every dish

What we’re looking for

• Professional chef experience in a catering or hospitality setting
• Recognised culinary qualifications (City & Guilds 706/1 & 2, NVQ Level 2/3)
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and health regulations
• Ability to work in a high-pressure, team-focused environment
• A passion for cooking and delivering top-quality service

Desirable Skills

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

What 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.

At Sodexo, we pride ourselves on creating a positive and inclusive environment. Join us in helping improve the quality of life for our armed forces personnel while gaining valuable experience in a dynamic hospitality setting.

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications