From submarines to Sodexo: Steven Baillie’s career journey
As we mark Armed Forces Week 2026, it’s an opportunity to recognise the dedication, resilience and professionalism of those who serve – and those who continue to make a difference long after leaving the forces.
Steven Baillie, Catering Manager at HMP Addiewell in Sodexo’s Government & Energy division, is one of those people. After 22 years in the Royal Navy, Steven has built a civilian career that reflects the same sense of purpose, teamwork and commitment that defined his military service.
Steven’s career began in the Navy, where he joined as a chef and steadily worked his way through the ranks. Over the course of two decades, he developed his expertise from Chef 2 to Chef 1, Head Chef and ultimately Catering Manager. Twenty of those years were spent as a submariner, operating in one of the most demanding environments in the armed forces. He later spent two years supporting operations alongside Special Forces, an experience that further developed his leadership and ability to perform under pressure.
Along the way, Steven didn’t hesitate to step outside his comfort zone. He took on roles in health and safety and building management before returning to catering as a Unit Manager within a specialist operations unit. That breadth of experience shaped not only his technical skills, but also his adaptability and confidence in leading teams in complex situations.
Leaving the military marked a significant transition. Like many veterans, Steven was looking for a role that offered both stability and a continued sense of purpose. After being recommended Sodexo by a colleague, he recognised immediately that it could offer what he was looking for.
I wanted structure and a culture that genuinely respects the armed forces community,” Steven explains. “Work-life balance was also really important to me after years of being away from home"
Moving into a custodial environment at HMP Addiewell felt like a natural step. The structure, clear processes and team-focused way of working mirrored aspects of military life, helping Steven quickly adapt to his new environment.
In his role as Catering Manager, Steven brings with him a wealth of military experience that continues to shape how he works every day. Teamwork and collaboration are central to everything he does. Catering in a prison is not just about producing meals, but about working closely with security teams, residential staff, suppliers and supervised prisoners to ensure operations run safely and effectively. The ability to rely on others and to communicate clearly is essential.
Attention to detail is equally critical. It is a skill that has been ingrained throughout Steven’s military career and remains vital in a custodial setting, where small mistakes can have significant consequences. From food safety and hygiene to maintaining security awareness, precision and consistency are key.
Adaptability is another defining strength. No two days are the same in a prison environment and plans can change at a moment’s notice. Whether responding to lockdowns, regime changes or supplier challenges, Steven’s ability to remain calm, focused and solution-oriented allows him to lead his team with confidence.
Steven is also passionate about supporting other veterans and challenging misconceptions about what ex-service personnel bring to civilian roles. He is clear that people leaving the military are not always a “finished product” and that the transition can feel daunting at first.
“There’s sometimes an expectation that you can step straight into a role and know everything, but it’s a big change,” he says. “With the right support, clear direction and processes, though, you quickly find your feet.”
What veterans bring, he explains, is something deeper. Reliability, a strong work ethic and a commitment to continuous learning are all part of the package, but it is loyalty and long-term commitment that truly stand out.
Now a hiring manager himself, Steven actively looks for military experience when reviewing CVs. It is something that immediately catches his attention, as he knows first-hand the value it can bring to a team.
For Steven, working at Sodexo is more than just a job. It is a continuation of service, in a different environment but with the same underlying purpose: supporting others, working as part of a team and making a positive difference.
Steven’s story is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact that veterans make – and why creating opportunities for the armed forces community is so important, not just this week, but all year round.