Commis Chef

Reaseheath College and University Centre; Nantwich; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

47 days annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Enhanced maternity pay

Enhanced sick pay

Employee Assistance Programme

Free on site gym

Onsite Starbucks

Staff discounts

Job summary

Reaseheath College and University Centre in Nantwich, England, is seeking a Commis Chef to join the campus catering team. The role focuses on delivering high-quality, fresh produce menus across the site, with shifts between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., five days over seven.

The position offers 37 hours per week and a supportive CPD programme. Responsibilities include preparing dishes, maintaining hygiene standards, and working with local Reaseheath produce.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent catering qualification.
• Minimum Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Experience working as a Commis chef in a professional kitchen.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent customer service and attention to detail.
• A flexible and positive approach, with a willingness to learn and develop.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality hospitality service to students, staff, and guests.
• Manage your designated kitchen station and prepare it for service.
• Cook and produce high-quality dishes using fresh ingredients and provided recipes.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and ensure correct food storage, labelling, and rotation.
• Maintain excellent food hygiene and safety standards at all times.

Skills

Customer service

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Flexible attitude

Teamwork

Education

NVQ Level 2 Catering qualification

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

About Reaseheath

Reaseheath College and University Centre is a leading land-based and technical education provider, with a proud history stretching back over 100 years. Our mission is simple: to deliver industry focused, career ready education that transforms lives and supports the future of all our learners - from further education, higher education, apprenticeships and adult courses.

Set in a stunning rural campus near Nantwich in Cheshire, we offer an inspiring place to work, with industry-leading facilities, strong employer partnerships and a clear focus on innovation, sustainability and real-world skills.

Working at Reaseheath

Working at Reaseheath means being part of a supportive, ambitious and values-driven community. Our staff play a vital role in shaping futures, helping our learners develop the skills, confidence and experience they need to succeed in their careers.

We are committed to creating a positive working environment where colleagues feel valued, supported and able to grow. With opportunities for professional development, strong industry links and a collaborative culture, you can build a rewarding career while making a genuine impact.

Job Title: Commis Chef

Status: Permanent, Full Time, 37 hours per week

Working Pattern: Working 5 days over 7 and shifts between 6am and 7pm

Closing Date: Midnight, Sunday 27th September 2026

Assessment Centre Date: 5th to the 8th October 2026

Overview

Following a reorganization of the department, there is a vacancy to join our chef team to assist in the preparation and presentation of a high-quality catering service for up to 600 residential, up to 4500-day students and 650 staff. With the opportunity to use Reaseheath College produce Aberdeen Angus and Wagyu beef, pork and farm lamb as well as amazing tomatoes, chilies and fresh salad from the glasshouse. Reaseheath also produces its own cheese and butter.

About the role

We are now looking for a Commis Chef to join our team to continue delivering high quality, fresh produce menus across the campus. You should be enthusiastic to provide a high level of food that is healthy, varied and cooked with all fresh ingredients; as well as showing customer service and presentation skills.

The role would suit someone who is eager to remain in the hospitality sector but wishes to work a more regular shift pattern with less antisocial hours and no split shifts. Working hours are 37 hours per week generally between 6.00 a.m. - 7.00 p.m. 5 days a week over 7 days with only occasional functions. The College closes for two weeks at Christmas so there is no need to miss out on Christmas with family and friends.

Key responsibilities:

• Deliver high-quality hospitality service to students, staff, and guests.
• Manage your designated kitchen station and prepare it for service.
• Cook and produce high-quality dishes using fresh ingredients and provided recipes.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and ensure correct food storage, labelling, and rotation.
• Maintain excellent food hygiene and safety standards at all times.

The successful candidate will have:

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent catering qualification.
• Minimum Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Experience working as a Commis chef in a professional kitchen.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent customer service and attention to detail.
• A flexible and positive approach, with a willingness to learn and develop.

We can offer you:

• 47 days annual leave including Bank Holidays and Christmas Closure
• Generous pension scheme with an employer contribution of 19.8%
• Enhanced maternity and adoption pay
• Enhanced sick pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Pluxee reward scheme
• Free on site gym membership
• Onsite Starbucks along with multiple restaurant and cafe outlets
• Access to a multitude of external benefits through local businesses to the Cheshire area
• Specialist equipment reflecting industry practice

As a College, we actively encourage applications from industry professionals without a teaching qualification, as well as those from qualified teachers. Reaseheath offers a full CPD programme with access to funded qualifications alongside hands on support whilst completing Further Education Training. Industry professionals joining the College in an academic role, will complete their Further Education Training whilst in post.

Please note this role constitutes 'regulated activity' as defined by the Protection of Freedom Act 2012. The successful candidate will therefore be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check with barred list information prior to starting employment. You must also have the right to work in the UK and will be required to provide evidence to support this. In addition, online checks will be carried out during the recruitment process. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Reaseheath College is committed to achieving its public sector general equality duty, which is set out in the Equality Act 2010. The College has a clear mission and clear values, which incorporate equality, diversity and inclusion.

The College staff recruitment and selection process, CPD processes, policies and practice are designed to ensure that when employment decisions are made, they are based solely on the skills and qualities required for the position and comply with all relevant employment legislation and best practice standards.

Disability Support

The College is a Disability Confident Employer and will support any reasonable adjustments you require to perform your best during the recruitment process. You can contact the People Services team at [e-mail] should you require any adjustments during either your application or during the assessment centre.

Safer Recruitment Statement

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975, (amended 2013 and 2020)) makes certain regulated activity (i.e. work with children and/or young people) exempt from the Act and therefore requires individuals seeking to work with these groups to be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check with children's barred list, amongst other safer recruitment checks.

Where a post is classed as exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, you will be required to reveal all convictions not classed as 'protected' by the Ministry of Justice guidelines, both spent and unspent.

Any information given will be completely confidential and will be considered in relation to an application for positions to which the Order applies. Please note that certain criminal convictions may affect your eligibility for employment with the college, but having a previous conviction will not automatically bar you from employment. Please refer to the college website for the policy statement on the recruitment of ex-offenders.

This information is considered sensitive personal data under the Data Protection Act 2018. It will only be used for the purposes of this recruitment exercise and will be safely disposed of after six months if you are not successful in your application for this vacancy.

Other safer recruitment checks that will be carries out during the recruitment process include online checks and prohibition from teaching checks (where relevant).

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the advertised close date if we receive a sufficient number of applications.

We do not accept applications or speculative CVs through recruitment agencies.