Sous Chef - Cambridge

Job Title: Sous Chef
Location: Cambridge, UK
Establishment: Prestigious University College
Salary: £34,000 – £37,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week on a flexible rota (alternate weekends off)

About the Role

Our client—a renowned and historic University college in Cambridge—is seeking a talented Sous Chef to support the delivery of exceptional culinary experiences across student dining, formal occasions, conferences, and private events.

Reporting to the Head Chef and Executive Head Chef, you’ll play a key role in leading a large, innovative kitchen team. This hands-on role is ideal for a culinary professional who excels in a dynamic, quality-focused environment and is passionate about mentoring and inspiring others while maintaining the highest food standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Management: Motivate and lead the kitchen brigade during service, fostering a positive and professional environment.

• Operational Support: Assist in the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen, including service coordination, preparation, and staff oversight.

• Culinary Standards: Ensure consistency and quality across all dishes, maintaining high standards in presentation and taste.

• Menu Innovation: Work with senior chefs to design creative, seasonal menus that cater to diverse dietary needs using local, fresh ingredients.

• Training & Development: Support the growth of junior chefs, apprentices, and kitchen assistants through hands-on training and mentorship.

• Stock & Cost Control: Manage inventory, ordering, and stock rotation to reduce waste and control food costs.

• Compliance: Uphold health, safety, food hygiene, and allergen standards across all operations.

• Leadership Cover: Step up in the absence of the Head Chef, ensuring continued excellence and clear communication across departments.

• Collaboration: Coordinate with Events and Front-of-House teams to exceed client expectations for all functions.

About You

We’re looking for a passionate and experienced chef who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

• Experience: Previous experience as a Sous Chef or strong Senior Chef de Partie in a high-volume, quality-focused kitchen.

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

• Leadership: Proven ability to lead, delegate, and motivate kitchen teams under pressure.

• Creativity: A keen eye for detail and innovation in menu planning and execution.

• Communication: Strong interpersonal and organisational skills to manage team dynamics effectively.

• Flexibility: Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends on rotation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £34,000 – £37,000 P/A

• 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)

• Employer pension contribution (minimum 6%)

• Healthcare cash plan (covers routine dental, optical, and medical treatments)

• Daily meal allowance while on duty

• Uniform provided

• Access to college facilities, including gym, outdoor swimming pool, and on-site parking

• Recruitment referral incentive (1.5% of referred hire’s salary)

• Regular staff social events and activities

How to Apply

If you're an ambitious and skilled chef ready to take the next step in your career, we want to hear from you. Join a prestigious college where creativity, development, and excellence are celebrated every day.

Pineapple Recruitment is acting as a Recruitment Agency on behalf of our client.