Second Chef/Deputy Head Chef

Nottingham; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Staff discounts

Travel schemes

Job summary

The University of Nottingham is seeking a Second Chef to lead and deputise for the Head Chef in its busy catering operation. Based at University Park or Jubilee Campus, you’ll oversee kitchen and front-of-house tasks and help deliver high-quality meals to resident students.

Offer includes progression, development through qualifications and a permanent year-round contract. Expect sociable hours with weekend enhancements and opportunities for event catering and large banquets.

Qualifications

• Qualified to 706 1/2 or NVQ 1/2 in Food Production, or has relevant experience in a busy kitchen environment
• A confident chef with excellent cooking skills and supervisory experience
• Comfortable with stock management and using Microsoft Office software
• A strong team player with attention to detail and a genuine passion for food

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve consistent, high-quality meals for residents during term time
• Cater for events, conferences, and weddings up to 350 guests during vacations
• Step up in the Head Chef’s absence to lead the team and ensure smooth operations
• Engage in formal banquets and student dining activities
• Location: University Park or Jubilee Campus

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Team player

Attention to detail

Food knowledge

Education

706 1/2 NVQ in Food Production

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Salary
£26,908 to £28,890per annum plus additional 15% payment for hours worked at the weekend. Posts will initially be offered at the minimum salary point with progression to the higher salary point achieved through an annual incremental pay rise.

Closing Date

Reference
NHE011126X1

The University of Nottingham has been providing an outstanding student experience for over 140 years and is a leading university of worldwide significance with established campuses in UK, China and Malaysia. Our award-winning Nottingham campus is only 15 minutes by bus or tram to our vibrant city centre.

Your role as Second Chef

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, motivated Chef to join our award-winning catering team at the University of Nottingham.

Based at either University Park or Jubilee Campus, you’ll be at the heart of one of our busy student Halls of Residence — supporting and deputising for the Head Chef to lead both kitchen and front-of-house operations.

About the role

This is a fantastic opportunity for a chef who is passionate about fresh, quality food and looking to take the next step in their career.

• Prepare and serve consistent, high-quality meals for our resident students during term time
• Cater for a variety of events, conferences, and weddings (up to 350 guests) during vacation periods
• Step up in the Head Chef’s absence to lead the team and ensure smooth operations
• Get involved in everything from formal banquets to lively student dining
• Location: University Park or Jubilee Campus

This is a hands‑on role that demands leadership, creativity, and a genuine love for food.

What’s in it for you?

• Great work-life balance – sociable hours compared to most hospitality roles
• Job security – a permanent, year-round contract with one of the UK’s top universities
• Career development – structured training, support, and industry-recognised qualifications to help you grow
• Generous holiday allowance – 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and additional university closure days
• Excellent staff benefits – including Employee Assistance Programme, supplier discounts, travel schemes, and access to state-of-the-art sports facilities
• Supportive environment – join a professional, friendly team with regular staff events and networks
• Tools & perks – uniform provided and everything you need to do your job well

What we’re looking for

We’re seeking someone who is:

• Qualified to 706 1/2 or NVQ 1/2 in Food Production, or has relevant experience in a busy kitchen environment
• A confident chef with excellent cooking skills and supervisory experience
• Comfortable with stock management and using Microsoft Office software
• A strong team player with attention to detail and a genuine passion for food

Working hours

• 36.25 hours per week, across 5 days out of 7 (mainly 11.15am–7.30pm), including regular weekends.Hours worked at the weekend will be enhanced by an additional 15% payment.
• Occasional early shifts (6.00am–2.15pm) or late finishes (up to 10.00pm) during special events
• Flexibility is required — and job share arrangements may be considered

The recruitment process

The interview process includes a short interview and a practical skills test (around 2 hours). Full details will be provided to shortlisted candidates

Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.

To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process.

We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details.

This position does not fulfil the UK Visas & Immigration sponsorship criteria for Skilled Worker, therefore we can only accept applications from candidates who already have the right to work in UK.