Cook

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Reading is recruiting a junior Cook to join our team, working with the Aspiring Chef group to develop core kitchen skills and future progression. The role involves preparing fresh dishes from scratch across multiple kitchens, following recipes and maintaining standards.

We produce nutritious meals with seasonality in mind. Interviews are held W/C 1 September 2026 on the Whiteknights Campus; applicants should bring/prepare knives if requested, and apply via the University website.

Qualifications

• Ability to prepare food following specified recipes, instructions and methods.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to recognise and deal with problems as they arise.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food following specified recipes, instructions and methods.
• Maintain quality and safety of prepared dishes.
• Work with the Aspiring Chef team to develop core skills and progression.
• Support kitchen operations and assist fellow team members as required.

Skills

Cooking following recipes

Written and verbal communication

Problem solving under pressure

Calm under pressure

Job description

credit_card Salary Grade 2 - £23859 - £24,215 per annum, with Enhanced Pay outside of core working hours

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Salary Grade 2 - £23859 - £24,215 per annum, with Enhanced Pay outside of core working hours

Contractual hours 36

Basis Full time

Region South

Job category/type Ancillary and Operational Support, Manual

The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 24th August 2026

Interview date: W/C 1 st September 2026

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. The successful candidate(s) will have to ensure that they have the right to work in the UK or be able to secure this through another means without the sponsorship of the University. Further information about sponsorship is available on the UK Visas and Immigration Website .

We are different so forget any ideas of what you think we do....

We are looking for a Cook whoshares our passion forgreat food to join us onour journey to createthe best campus food experience.This post is a junior post within our team and will involve working with our Aspiring Chef team. This Post will help develop any aspiring chefs core skills and future progression with in the team.

We producefresh, nutritious and tasty dishes from scratch,with our menus changing daily andfollowing seasonality across six kitchens.

We are committed to the 24 Principles of Menus of Change, guiding our thinking around nutrition and sustainability. Weare the first European Member of the Menus of Change Universities Research Collaborative (MCURC). MCURC is a group of 70 like-minded Universities committed to using academic and operational research to improve the health of individuals and the planet.

The University operate three teams of Chefs, each reporting to a Head Chef covering our Hotel, Cafes, Bars, Event Catering and large Dining Halls. Staff regularly move between teams to ensure professional development.

You will have :

• The ability to prepare food following specified recipes, instructions and methods
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability torecognise and deal with problems as they arise
• Ability to remain calm under pressure

Interviews will be held: W/C 1 st September 2026 on our Whiteknights Campus and will last 1-2 hours.

We operate a skills based assessment alongside our Chefs in a Kitchen. There is no interview in a meeting room. You need to be wearing appropriate clothing/footwear for Kitchen and bring your own knives. We can provide these on advanced request.

You'll be asked to complete tasks and assessed on how you complete them. You are free to use your 'phone for information such as recipes. We may provide written recipes for you to follow. Our team are on-hand to help you use any unfamiliar equipment.

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University's ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

All applications must be made via the University website.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2).

• Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.