Sous Chef

University of South Hampton; Southampton; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The Campus Kitchen – University of Southampton is seeking a hands-on Sous Chef to join our growing catering, conferencing, events and hospitality team. You will support the executive head chef and senior sous in daily kitchen operations, contribute to menu development and ensure high standards of food quality and service across multiple venues.

We value practical chefs with stamina and leadership, capable of training staff, managing stock and upholding food safety and HACCP principles in a

Qualifications

• Professional kitchen experience in 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.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining high standards.
• Commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Responsibilities

• Support the executive head chef and senior sous in day-to-day kitchen management.
• Assist with menu development and food production.
• Maintain stock control and monitor food safety compliance.
• Supervise and train kitchen staff to ensure high-quality output.
• Lead by example to uphold standards in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Professional kitchen experience

Culinary skills

Team supervision

Food safety & HACCP

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Customer service focus

Job description

The Campus Kitchen – University of Southampton

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.

About You

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.

Why Join Us?

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

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 .

Apply by 11.59 pm UK time on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on [phone] or [e-mail] quoting the job number.