Sous Chef

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

Benefits offered by this job

31 days paid leave

Pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Central London location

Job summary

Birkbeck University of London is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to support the Head Chef across retail, hospitality and events catering. You will lead kitchen operations, influence menu development and ensure high standards of food safety and presentation.

This full-time role is based in Central London, offering a London pay scale, generous leave and pension benefits. You will manage production, stock control and develop junior team members while maintaining exceptional customer experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop junior kitchen team members.
• Oversee food production, stock control and compliance.
• Deputise for the Head Chef and ensure high standards of service and presentation.
• Influence menu development and continually improve customer experience.

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.

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.

Closing date: Sunday 18 October 2026

Interview date: Wednesday 28 October 2026

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.