Chef
Be part of something greater.
- Job reference: SDX/TP/1324814/151859
- Location: Colchester
- Job type: Full Time - 35 hours per week
- Salary: £13.00 Per Hour
- Closing date: 06 January 2026
About the role
- 35 hours per week
- 5 out of 7 days - Various Shift Patterns
- £13.00 per hour
- Access to Sodexo rewards hub and discounts
- Minimum Level 2 NVQ in Catering required for this role.
About the role:
Position: Chef at Sodexo, at Merville Barracks, Circular Road South, Colchester, Essex 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)
Please Note: Due to the festive period, applications will not be reviewed or shortlisted until 5 January 2026.
What we offer:
Join Sodexo for more than just a job—be part of something bigger. You'll belong, have purpose, and make an impact every day. 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.
Join us and thrive in your own way!
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KEY BENEFITS
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Advice and guidance
Get help with legal, financial, personal or work issues whenever you need it. -
Pension Plan
Save effectively for your future when you join the Sodexo Pension Plan. -
Wellbeing support
Unlimited access to online support for your mental health, 24/7. -
Generous leave
For holidays, care needs or major life events, we’ll help you rest and recharge. -
Discounts and savings
Enjoy great deals from leading retailers and use our Bike to Work scheme -
Virtual GP
24-hour access to video or phone consultations for you and your family.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At our company, we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Roles at Sodexo are designed to empower individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an environment that values equity and supports the growth of all employees, ensuring that everyone can contribute to and benefit from our collective success.
Social Impact
Ever since we started, we’ve had a clear purpose – to do some good in our communities through helping people. Today, that purpose is still a huge part of who we are. And every one of our colleagues helps that happen.
We’re committed to volunteering our time, resources, skills and knowledge – more than 50% of colleagues contribute to thousands of volunteer hours every year. And our Charitable Foundation has now donated over £9 million to charities and good causes across the country.
Colchester, United Kingdom, CO2 7UT
Register your interest
Join us at Sodexo and explore the exciting career opportunities we offer! Whether you're interested in hospitality, facilities management, or food services, we invite you to set up a profile and become part of our vibrant team.