Chef

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.

We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us on e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk

Working Arrangements : 48 hour annualised contract

Closing Date

26-Jan-2026, 11:59:00 PM

Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement : Not Applicable.

The University

At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.

Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.

We promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under‑represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

The Role and Department

The Operations Directorate is integral to the Colleges and Student Experience Division, dedicated to providing a world‑class experience for our diverse student and staff community. Our passionate team delivers services and facilities across 15 colleges, including catering, housekeeping, reception, security and maintenance.

Within the Operations Directorate, we have three key areas:

• University Catering – a robust catering team of 500 providing fresh, exciting, and diverse dining experiences throughout our colleges.
• College Operations – over 200 professionals providing residential services and supporting student and non‑student‑led events.
• Retail Services – branded retail catering and merchandise outlets offering an array of menus and high‑quality products.

The Role

Chefs are key back‑of‑house members of the catering team, supporting the Head Chef with food production and running of the kitchen. The post holder also assists with day‑to‑day cleaning of kitchen and catering equipment, receipt and storage of goods, and checking and signing for deliveries.

Applicants will adopt a flexible approach to working and may be required to undertake any of the tasks outlined below, regardless of their designated shift.

Successful candidates will promote a positive image of University Catering and Durham University at all times.

Please note: If you have applied for this post within the past 6 months and have been unsuccessful, your application will not be considered.

Specific Role Information

The post holder will be required to work any 5 days out of 7, which may include some evenings and weekends. Typical working hours are between 7 am and 9:30 pm.

Work requires physical manual handling, including lifting and transporting catering equipment.

The post holder will work flexibly across all catering areas and will work a maximum of 48 hours per week during the term time, with fewer hours in vacation periods. Total annualised hours: 1,820.

Salary: £23 751 – £24 570 per annum, plus an annual market supplement of £1 500 and a flexible working supplement of £3 500.

Working at Durham

• 27 days annual leave per year (plus 8 public holidays and 4 customary days), total 39 days.
• Parking across campus, cycle‑to‑work scheme, discounts with local bus and train companies.
• Discounts via benefits portal (supermarkets, high‑street retailers, IT products, cinema, attractions).
• On‑site nursery and holiday camps for children aged 5‑16.
• Health and wellbeing support, discounted sports and gym facilities, 24‑7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Opportunities to volunteer.
• Generous maternity, adoption leave and other family‑friendly policies.
• Career development support (qualifications, IT skills, courses, apprenticeships).
• Generous pension scheme.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply

• Over 3 years experience in all sections of the kitchen within a high‑volume, high‑quality catering operation.
• Minimum Level 2 industry‑recognised culinary qualification.
• Experience working as part of a customer‑focused, high‑quality catering team.
• Experience supervising food production within a modern high‑volume environment, including high‑profile functions.
• Ability to manage time and prioritise to meet deadlines.
• Experience providing advice and guidance on allergens.
• Proactive problem‑solving within a team.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Experience working to standard operating procedures.
• Methodical, detail‑oriented worker with a positive “can‑do” attitude.
• Level 2 Health & Safety qualification.
• Evidence of personal development to maintain skills.

How to Apply

We prefer online applications. Submit a CV and, if desired, a statement that illustrates how you meet the criteria. Alternatively, complete the application form and include the required information within the form.

We will keep you informed at various stages through automated emails from our e‑recruitment system. Check your spam/junk folder to avoid missing updates.

Who to contact for more information

The Systems and Administration team can be reached at operations.recruitment@durham.ac.uk for queries related to the role or application process.

Typical Role Requirements

Service Delivery

• Provide an excellent and timely service to students, colleagues and others.
• Log, record and pass on information for use by others.
• Follow procedures and refer to more senior colleagues when necessary.
• Collect, organise and record data accurately.
• Apply relevant industry and regulatory standards.
• Utilise specialist skills and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Operate everyday tools and domestic equipment.
• Follow health and safety regulations, report incidents.
• Follow security protocols when dealing with new staff.

Teamwork

• Help and cooperate with the rest of the team.
• Assist colleagues with key activities.
• Maintain tools and equipment safely and hygienically.
• Learn new skills from experienced colleagues.
• Escalate problems to senior colleagues.

Communication/Personal

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.
• Respond to queries and bring complex issues to senior colleagues.
• Provide information about events and activities run by the service.
• Learn skills needed to deliver services in a retail, catering or leisure environment.
• Other reasonable duties.

Please note that, in submitting your application, Durham University will process your data. You are invited to review our privacy statement and relevant notices.

When appointing to this role, the University must meet immigration requirements and salary thresholds for certain visas.