Commis Chef

University of Northampton; Northampton; On-site; GBP 24,000; Part time

Job summary

An educational institution in the UK is seeking a motivated Commis Chef to join their Commercial and Catering Team. This part-time role involves working across various outlets on campus, focusing on food preparation and ensuring safety standards. The ideal candidate should have basic culinary skills and a Food Safety Qualification. Shifts will require weekend work and may vary between 7am and 10pm. Competitive remuneration at the real living wage is offered.

Responsibilities

• Assist in food preparation process.
• Cook and prepare elements of high-quality dishes.
• Prepare vegetables, meats, and fish.
• Assist other chefs.
• Place orders and handle deliveries.
• Assist with stock rotation and cleaning tasks.
• Contribute to maintaining kitchen and food safety standards.

Skills

Basic knowledge of all sections

Ability to work under supervision

Good quality basic food production

Health and safety understanding

Basic food hygiene practices

Oral communication skills

Attention to detail

Good numeracy skills

Adaptability to change

Team player

Education

Food Safety Qualification

Relevant qualification or equivalent in professional cooking

Job description

About the job

Interview date - 22 October 2025

Part time - 16 hours a week

This post will be across 7 days including occasional bank holidays and events, with shifts varying from 7am to 10pm. The post will require regular weekend working.

We are looking for a highly motivated and dedicated Commis Chef to join our wider Commercial and Catering Team at the University of Northampton.

The Commis Chef will be responsible for supporting the Head Chef, working within a multiple of outlets on our Waterside Campus.

Our customers and students are at the heart of everything we do. You will need to ensure that this is paramount to everything you do.

• Assist in the food preparation process
• Cook and prepare elements of high-quality dishes
• Prepare vegetables, meats and fish
• Assist other chefs
• Place orders, handle deliveries and restock
• Assist with stock rotation and cleaning tasks
• Contribute to maintaining kitchen and food safety standards

We are an accredited Living Wage Foundation Employer and currently pay the real living wage, which is currently £24,309 per annum (pro rata). In recognition of this, the starting salary for this post has been increased to pay this higher amount which currently supersedes the actual Grade 3 salary before living wage.

About you

The ideal candidate will;

• Have basic knowledge of all sections
• Have the ability to work under supervision of a limited range
• Be able to produce good quality basic food
• Understand health and safety
• Understand basic food hygiene practices
• Have good oral communication
• Have a high level of attention to detail
• Have a good level of numeracy to develop your own skills and knowledge
• Be adaptable to change and willing to embrace new ideas and processes
• Be able to work unsupervised and deliver quality work
• Have a positive and approachable manner
• Be a team player

Qualifications

Essentail;

• Food Safety Qualification

Desirable;

• Relevant qualification or equivalent in professional cooking

About us

At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.

1^stDegree Facilities is a trading name of UNEL which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the University of Northampton and this vacancy is covered by UNEL Terms and Conditions of employment.

Our People

Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.

Our Values

• Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
• Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
• Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.

Right to work

All candidates will be asked to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK at interview. Due to the requirements laid out by UK Visas and Immigration regarding Right to Work in the UK, the University can only accept applications from individuals who currently have a status allowing them to work in the UK for this position.

Due to this criteria, we regret that we are unable to offer sponsorship at this time.

Equality

We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.

The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.

Together @ UON
Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

Together @ UONaffirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.

Commitments Include:

1. Creating an Inclusive Environment:Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
2. Supporting Students and Staff:Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
3. Tackling Inequalities:Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.

UON’s Major Commitments:

• Disability Confident
• Standalone Pledge
• IHRA Working Definition

For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON