College Senior Sous Chef - Cambridge

Job Title: Senior Sous Chef
Establishment: University
Salary: £39,000 - £42,500 P/A
Location: Cambridge
Hours: Full-time, Average 37.5 hours per week

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Sous Chef to join a dynamic and diverse catering team within a prestigious University setting in Cambridge. Reporting directly to the Head Chef, you will play a key leadership role in ensuring the smooth operation of the kitchen, delivering high-quality cuisine across a variety of catering services, including formal dining events, conferences, receptions, buffets, and daily meals for students and staff.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to menu development, uphold the highest standards of food preparation, and support the training and development of the kitchen team. We pride ourselves on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and fostering an environment where creativity and innovation are encouraged.

Key Responsibilities

• Kitchen Leadership: Assist the Head Chef in overseeing kitchen operations, ensuring a seamless workflow and maintaining the highest culinary standards.

• Team Management: Supervise and mentor junior kitchen staff, providing training and guidance to enhance their skills and professional growth.

• Menu Development: Work closely with the Head Chef to develop new and innovative menu items, ensuring variety and creativity in the kitchen’s offerings.

• Quality Control: Maintain strict food hygiene and safety standards, ensuring compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations.

• Stock & Cost Management: Assist in managing kitchen inventory, including ordering, stock rotation, and waste reduction to ensure cost-effective operations.

• Event Catering: Support the execution of large-scale catering events, formal dining, and high-profile university functions.

• Problem-Solving: Quickly address any kitchen-related issues, ensuring minimal disruption to service and maintaining high standards.

• Compliance & Standards: Ensure all dishes meet quality, taste, and presentation standards while adhering to dietary and allergen requirements.

About You

We are looking for a passionate and experienced Senior Sous Chef who thrives in a high-paced kitchen environment and has a keen eye for culinary excellence.

• Experience: Proven experience working as a Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume or fine-dining kitchen setting.

• Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent) is essential.

• Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and team management abilities, with a positive and motivational approach.

• Creativity & Innovation: A passion for food innovation, menu development, and a keen eye for detail.

• Flexibility: Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required.

• Organisational Skills: Ability to multitask, work under pressure, and maintain high standards in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional development:

• Bonus Opportunities: Recruitment & Retention payment.

• Free Parking: Convenient on-site parking, including electric vehicle options.

• Cycle to Work Scheme: Support for sustainable commuting.

• Social Events: Regular team-building and social activities.

• Medicash Health Plan: Access to a health plan covering a range of services, including dental care and alternative therapies.

• Free Meals: Enjoy freshly prepared meals during your shifts.

• Pension Scheme: The College offers a defined contributory pension scheme. After three months, employees contribute 3%, and the College contributes 6%. Employees can increase contributions up to 7%, with the College matching up to 14%.

How to Apply

If you are a dedicated Senior Sous Chef looking to make a significant impact in a supportive and rewarding environment, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to join a team that values creativity, quality, and collaboration.

Pineapple Recruitment is recruiting for this role on behalf of our client and is acting as a Recruitment Agency