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- Tasks: Join our kitchen team as a Sous Chef, creating delicious meals for students and staff.
- Company: Work at a prestigious Cambridge College, renowned for its academic excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, paid overtime, bonuses, and free meals.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant community, enhancing dining experiences while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or in a similar role, with NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery.
- Other info: Flexible hours required; embrace college traditions while innovating in the kitchen.
The predicted salary is between 22140 - 22140 £ per year.
Salary: £36,900 per annum. In addition, you will receive paid overtime and bonus. Included in the benefits package is membership of a defined contribution pension scheme, membership of a medical cashback scheme, meals, parking, and non-contractual bonus paid in November of each year.
As a Sous Chef at one of the prestigious Cambridge Colleges, you will be an integral part of the kitchen team, working closely with the Head Chef to ensure the delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals for students, staff, and guests. Your role will include supervising and mentoring kitchen staff, ensuring food quality, maintaining cleanliness, and supporting the smooth running of the kitchen in this fast-paced, academic environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist the Head Chef in menu planning and food preparation, ensuring that meals are balanced, seasonal, and meet the needs of the college community.
- Supervise the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, ensuring adherence to health and safety standards, food hygiene regulations, and the college's policies.
- Lead, train, and motivate kitchen staff, helping to develop their culinary skills and ensuring consistency in food quality and presentation.
- Oversee food preparation and cooking for a variety of dining experiences, including formal dinners, buffets, and casual meals.
- Manage stock control, including inventory, ordering, and reducing food waste.
- Ensure efficient operation of the kitchen during the absence of the Head Chef, including overseeing kitchen schedules and handling issues that arise.
- Maintain strong communication with other departments, such as front-of-house and catering coordinators, to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Collaborate with the Head Chef to maintain the kitchen's budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources.
- Stay updated on culinary trends, introducing new techniques and concepts to enhance the dining experience at the College.
- Ensure the kitchen environment is always clean, organized, and compliant with health and safety regulations.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Proven experience as a Sous Chef or in a similar senior kitchen role, preferably in a large, high-volume catering environment.
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery.
- Excellent knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques, and presentation.
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a team.
- Familiarity with Cambridge College dining traditions, and the ability to adapt to the specific needs of a college environment.
- Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Solid understanding of food safety, hygiene standards, and risk management.
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required by the college's dining schedule.
Desirable Attributes:
- Experience in institutional catering or university-level dining services.
- A passion for creating meals that cater to diverse dietary requirements and preferences.
- Ability to embrace the history and traditions of the College while contributing innovative ideas to the dining experience.
Application Process:
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, with specific reference to your experience in a similar setting. This role offers a unique opportunity to work within one of the world's most esteemed academic institutions, contributing to the vibrant, dynamic life at a Cambridge College.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £36,900
Additional pay: Performance bonus
Benefits: Company pension, Discounted or free food, Employee discount, Free parking, Health & wellbeing programme
Schedule: Weekend availability
Sous Chef employer: BLW Recruitment LTD
Contact Detail:
BLW Recruitment LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dining traditions and culinary preferences of Cambridge Colleges. This knowledge will not only help you stand out during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the institution.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff members from similar roles. They can provide valuable insights into the kitchen culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your experience and how it aligns with the college's needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully trained and motivated kitchen staff in the past. Be ready to discuss specific situations where your guidance led to improved performance or enhanced team dynamics.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current culinary trends and dietary requirements. Being able to discuss innovative ideas for menu planning that cater to diverse dietary needs will set you apart as a candidate who is both knowledgeable and adaptable.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a Sous Chef or in a similar role. Focus on your leadership skills, food preparation techniques, and any experience in high-volume catering environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, specifically address how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention your familiarity with college dining traditions and your ability to cater to diverse dietary needs.
Showcase Your Culinary Passion: Use your application to express your passion for cooking and creating nutritious meals. Highlight any innovative ideas you have that could enhance the dining experience at the college.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a kitchen environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at BLW Recruitment LTD
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in detail, especially any roles where you supervised kitchen staff or managed food preparation. Bring examples of dishes you've created that demonstrate your culinary expertise and creativity.
✨Understand the College's Dining Traditions
Research the specific dining traditions and needs of the college community. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you tailor your answers to align with their values and expectations.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
Highlight your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've motivated and trained kitchen staff in the past. Discuss your approach to team management and how you handle challenges in a fast-paced environment.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Be ready to talk about your understanding of food safety and hygiene standards. Mention any relevant certifications you hold and how you ensure compliance in a busy kitchen setting.
