Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Chef Supervisor to join our catering team at Merville Barracks, Colchester. In this vital role, you'll support the Head Chef in leading our kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, hygiene, and service excellence are consistently achieved.
As a Chef Supervisor, you'll be responsible for supervising and developing your team, maintaining compliance with company and legal standards, and helping to drive performance and efficiency across all catering functions.
What you'll do:
Deliver Service Excellence and uphold outstanding Customer Care standards at all times.
Supervise, motivate, and train your team to ensure efficient and professional service delivery.
Maintain compliance with all HACCP, Food Safety, and Health & Safety requirements.
Deputise for the Head Chef in their absence.
Lead a team of Chef Shift Leaders, managing shift allocation and kitchen operations effectively.
Oversee food production, presentation, and service quality in accordance with Sodexo standards.
Monitor and maintain stock control, ordering, and rotation procedures.
Conduct performance reviews and development plans for direct reports.
Support your line manager in driving sales, efficiencies, and achieving key business KPIs.
Ensure all catering areas are clean, safe, and compliant with company procedures.
Foster collaborative relationships across all departments to ensure seamless service delivery.
What you bring:
Previous experience in a catering operational role.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
NVQ Level 2 in Catering and Hospitality (or equivalent).
Food Safety Level 3 qualification.
Desirable
Experience working in a military or defence catering environment.
Previous supervisory or leadership experience in a kitchen setting.
Strong knowledge of Health & Safety and Food Safety standards.
Confident in using MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with an innovative approach.
What we offer:

• On-the-job training with experienced professionals
• Fully funded apprenticeship qualifications
• Career development opportunities within Sodexo
• A friendly and supportive work environment
• 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.

Salary 13.50 per hour
Frequency Hourly
Job Reference SDX/TP/1324814/149290
Contract Type Permanent - Full Time
Closing Date 29 October, 2025
Job Category Catering Staff
Business Unit UK Government - Frontline
Location Colchester, United Kingdom
No. of positions 1
Posted on 15 October, 2025

Skills Required