Sous Chef

Pembroke College; Oxford; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

University pension scheme

Travel pass and Cyclescheme loan

Free meals on duty

Employee Assistance Programme

30 days holiday

Job summary

Pembroke College in Oxford is seeking a skilled Sous Chef to lead and support our kitchen team, delivering diverse and exceptional dining experiences across daily student meals, formal halls, conferences, and bespoke events.

The role offers part-time flexibility and the chance to develop leadership skills while working in a prestigious collegiate environment. A strong focus on food safety, allergen awareness, and collaborative menu development is essential.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in Catering or equivalent qualification.
• Experience in a professional kitchen with leadership responsibilities.
• Knowledge of allergen management and food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality meals for student dining, formal halls, and VIP events.
• Collaborate on creative, seasonal menus and dietary needs.
• Supervise and train kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations.
• Cover Head Chef in their absence and maintain service continuity.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisation

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Catering

Job description

Pembroke College, Oxford, is seeking a talented Sous Chef to join our dedicated kitchen team. This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in delivering a diverse and exceptional culinary experience in one of Oxford's prestigious colleges.

Part-time applications will also be considered.

Why Join Us?

• Career Growth: Work closely with the Head Chef and Executive Head Chef, gaining valuable leadership experience while contributing to innovative menus. Training and development opportunities ensure continued professional growth.
• Culinary Diversity: Engage in a variety of services, from daily student meals to formal banquets, conferences, and bespoke events.
• Supportive Environment: Enjoy working in a positive and inclusive kitchen team where collaboration and well-being are priorities.
• Excellent Benefits: Access to a comprehensive benefits package, including a University pension scheme, generous holiday allowance, complimentary meals on duty, a travel pass and cycle scheme, and support from the Employee Assistance Programme.

Role Responsibilities

The Sous Chef will work alongside the Head Chef to Deliver Quality Dining: Prepare and present high-quality meals for a range of settings, including student dining, formal halls, and VIP events; Develop Menus: Collaborate on creative, seasonal menus that cater to diverse dietary needs and reflect current culinary trends, Lead the Team: Supervise and train kitchen staff, ensuring smooth kitchen operations and adherence to food safety standards, and Take Charge: Assume responsibility for the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence, maintaining seamless operations.

We're Looking For

NVQ Level 3 in Catering (or equivalent qualification); Experience in a similar role within a professional kitchen, Knowledge of modern culinary techniques and food trends, including allergen management, Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills, and Level 3 Food Safety certification.

Benefits include membership of the University staff pension scheme, a travel pass and Cyclescheme loan scheme, and free meals are provided when on duty. The College also offers an Employee Assistance Programme to assist the health and wellbeing of its employees. The post-holder will receive a paid holiday entitlement of 30 days a year