Sous Chef

Job Title: Sous Chef
Location: Prestigious Cambridge College
Salary: £35,880 per annum
Hours: 75 hours per fortnight

About the Role

Join a renowned Cambridge college as a Sous Chef, helping to deliver an exceptional dining experience for Fellows, students, staff, and distinguished guests. Working closely with the Head Chef, you’ll lead kitchen operations, supervise a talented team, and ensure every meal meets the highest standards of quality and presentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Shift Leadership: Supervise kitchen operations during shifts, oversee food preparation, and ensure consistency in quality and presentation.
• Kitchen Efficiency: Organise resources, control food costs, and optimise energy usage to keep the kitchen running smoothly.
• Health & Safety Compliance: Follow all food safety and health regulations strictly to ensure a safe working environment.
• Inventory Management: Assist with ordering, stock rotation, and maintaining ideal inventory levels.
• Menu Development: Collaborate with the Head Chef on seasonal and rotating menus, focusing on signature dishes.
• Customer Satisfaction: Deliver high-quality dishes with outstanding presentation to exceed diners' expectations.
• Team Development: Mentor and train kitchen staff, supporting their growth to competition-level standards.
• Service Preparation: Ensure food stations are ready, food is attractively presented, and serving staff are briefed on menu items.
• Quality Control: Conduct checks during service to maintain high standards in food presentation and cleanliness.
• Crisis Management: Respond calmly to kitchen emergencies, following health and safety protocols.

Qualifications and Skills

Essential Qualifications

• Professional Cookery: NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Professional Cookery.
• Food Hygiene: Basic Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Safety Standards: Training in HACCP and COSHH protocols.

Essential Skills

• Leadership: Strong ability to supervise and motivate kitchen staff.
• Organisation: Excellent multitasking skills, with a focus on kitchen efficiency.
• Communication: Effective interpersonal skills to collaborate with colleagues and management.
• Customer Service: Commitment to delivering an outstanding dining experience.
• Food Safety Knowledge: Thorough understanding of HACCP protocols.

Experience

• Essential: Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a high-quality, high-volume kitchen setting.
• Desirable: Previous experience in a college or institutional kitchen.

Personal Attributes

• Friendly & Approachable: Positive, cooperative team presence.
• Dependable: Committed to upholding the highest culinary standards.
• Team Player: Collaborative and supportive in working closely with colleagues.
• Adaptable: Flexible and confident in a dynamic kitchen environment.
• Clear Communicator: Confident and effective in liaising with staff and management.

Benefits

As part of this prestigious Cambridge college, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Annual Leave: 34 days, including Bank Holidays
• Pension Scheme
• Health Cash Plan and Life Assurance
• Electric Vehicle Scheme and Cycle to Work Scheme
• Free On-Site Parking, Gym, and Swimming Pool Access
• Complimentary Daily Lunch
• Staff Discounts: Access to discounts for private event bookings at the college, local perks, and access to a Holiday Playscheme.

How to Apply

Ready to advance your culinary career in a supportive and prestigious environment? Apply today to join a team that values quality, creativity, and collaboration.

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