Sous Chef

University of Southampton; Southampton; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave and holidays

Pension scheme

36‑hour working week

Staff benefits and wellbeing

Job summary

The Campus Kitchen at University of Southampton is seeking a proactive Sous Chef to join our growing catering, conferencing, events and hospitality team. You will support the executive head chef in daily kitchen operations, help develop menus, manage stock and uphold food safety standards.

We value hands-on leadership, high standards and delivering exceptional customer experiences across diverse catering portfolios on campus.

Qualifications

• Professional kitchen experience in hospitality or catering operations.
• Strong culinary skills and knowledge of food preparation techniques.
• Experience supervising kitchen teams and managing operations.
• Knowledge of food safety, allergens, and HACCP principles.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the executive head chef and senior sous in day‑to‑day kitchen operations.
• Assist with menu development, food production and stock control.
• Ensure food safety compliance and supervise/training of staff.
• Lead by example in a fast-paced, high‑standard environment.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Culinary skills

Food safety HACCP

Stock control

Team supervision

Menu development

Under pressure

Customer service

Communication skills

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join The Campus Kitchen at the University of Southampton as a Sous Chef, at a time of significant growth across our catering, conferencing, events and hospitality services.

With an established reputation for delivering high-quality food and hospitality experiences, we are seeking a motivated, skilled and enthusiastic Sous Chef to support our culinary operations and help drive excellence across our diverse catering portfolio.

About the Role

The Campus Kitchen is the University of Southampton's in-house catering service, delivering retail catering, hospitality, delivered catering, conferences, fine dining events and large-scale functions across multiple campuses.

As a Sous Chef, you will support the executive head chef and senior sous in the day-to-day management of kitchen operations, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality food and service standards. You will assist with menu development, food production, stock control, food safety compliance, staff supervision and training. The role requires a hands‑on approach, leading by example and maintaining excellent standards in a fast‑paced and varied environment.

You will be a passionate and experienced chef with:

• Professional kitchen experience within hospitality, catering or food service operations
• Strong culinary skills and knowledge of food preparation techniques
• Experience supervising or supporting kitchen teams
• Knowledge of food safety, allergen management and HACCP principles
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• The ability to work under pressure whilst maintaining high standards
• A commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences

Experience in large-scale catering, events or conference hospitality would be advantageous.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

This role does not qualify for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. To explore alternative UK visa options, see gov.uk.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing catering and hospitality operation within one of the UK's leading universities. You will have the opportunity to contribute to innovative food concepts, support major events and play a key role in the continued development of The Campus Kitchen.

What We Can Offer You

Working at the University of Southampton gives you access to a wide range of benefits alongside a competitive salary, including:

• A generous annual leave allowance, plus bank holidays and University closure days
• Additional time off during Easter and Christmas closure periods
• A 36-hour working week supporting a healthy work‑life balance
• Membership of an excellent pension scheme
• Access to a broad range of staff benefits and wellbeing initiatives