Sous Chef

Birkbeck University London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

31 days paid leave

Flexible working arrangements

Pension scheme

Job summary

Birkbeck, University of London is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to support the Head Chef across retail, hospitality and event catering in central London. You will lead a diverse kitchen team, oversee production, ensure HACCP compliance and contribute to menu development while maintaining high standards.

You will manage production planning, staff development and stock control, deputising for the Head Chef as needed to drive exceptional customer experiences.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a kitchen environment.
• Experience delivering high-quality food in a high-volume setting.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and HACCP procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop junior kitchen team members.
• Oversee food production and stock control.
• Deputise for the Head Chef when required.
• Influence menu development and uphold quality standards.

Skills

Leadership

High-volume cooking

Food safety

HACCP

Stock control

Job description

Are you an experienced Sous Chef looking for an opportunity to take the next step in your leadership journey? As Sous Chef, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Head Chef to deliver a high-quality food offer across retail, hospitality and event catering operations.

Are you an experienced Sous Chef looking for an opportunity to take the next step in your leadership journey? As Sous Chef, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Head Chef to deliver a high-quality food offer across retail, hospitality and event catering operations.

You will have the opportunity to influence menu development, drive food quality and presentation standards, contribute new ideas, and help shape an evolving food and beverage service. Working within a varied and customer-focused environment, you will lead and develop junior kitchen team members, oversee food production, stock control and compliance, and deputise for the Head Chef when required, making a visible impact on the day-to-day success of the operation.

You will bring proven experience in high-volume food production within a commercial catering, hospitality or similar environment, together with strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP procedures, stock control and kitchen operations.

We are looking for someone who enjoys supporting and developing others, can effectively plan and prioritise kitchen production, and is committed to maintaining high standards while continuously seeking opportunities to improve the customer experience. If you are passionate about great food, enjoy balancing hands-on cooking with team leadership responsibilities, and want a role where you can contribute to both operational performance and future innovation, we would love to hear from you.

Contract:

• This role is offered on an open-ended basis
• This is a full-time working 37.5 hours per week 5 out of 7 days.

Closing date: Sunday 18 October 2026. Interview date: Wednesday 28 October 2026

Salary and benefits:

• Grade 5 of the College's London Pay Scale which is £34,827 rising to £38,981 per annum.
• Birkbeck offers a competitive salary and pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible working arrangements and some of the most generous benefits in the HE sector, all while being located right in the heart of Central London.
• The salary quoted is on the College's London Pay Scale which includes a consolidated Weighting/Allowance which applies only to staff whose normal contractual place of work is in the London area.

We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. The College is committed to improving the gender and cultural diversity of its workforce, holding a bronze Athena SWAN award and operating Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.