Campus Kitchen Sous Chef — Lead Culinary & Events

University of Southampton; Southampton; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave and holidays

Pension scheme

36‑hour working week

Staff benefits and wellbeing

Job summary

The Campus Kitchen at University of Southampton is seeking a proactive Sous Chef to join our growing catering, conferencing, events and hospitality team. You will support the executive head chef in daily kitchen operations, help develop menus, manage stock and uphold food safety standards.

We value hands-on leadership, high standards and delivering exceptional customer experiences across diverse catering portfolios on campus.

Qualifications

• Professional kitchen experience in hospitality or catering operations.
• Strong culinary skills and knowledge of food preparation techniques.
• Experience supervising kitchen teams and managing operations.
• Knowledge of food safety, allergens, and HACCP principles.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the executive head chef and senior sous in day‑to‑day kitchen operations.
• Assist with menu development, food production and stock control.
• Ensure food safety compliance and supervise/training of staff.
• Lead by example in a fast-paced, high‑standard environment.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Culinary skills

Food safety HACCP

Stock control

Team supervision

Menu development

Under pressure

Customer service

Communication skills

Job description

The Campus Kitchen at University of Southampton is seeking a proactive Sous Chef to join our growing catering, conferencing, events and hospitality team. You will support the executive head chef in daily kitchen operations, help develop menus, manage stock and uphold food safety standards.

We value hands-on leadership, high standards and delivering exceptional customer experiences across diverse catering portfolios on campus.