At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations and create high-quality dishes for diverse events.
- Company: Join the vibrant catering team at Imperial College Union.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, professional development, and a relaxed work environment.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic, student-led environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student experiences through your culinary creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Sous Chef Imperial College London•London, GB
We are looking for a talented and driven Sous Chef to join our catering team at Imperial College Union, supporting the delivery of high-quality food services across our vibrant venues.
This is a hands‑on role where you’ll be instrumental in shaping the culinary experience for our diverse student community, internal clients, and external partners.
As Sous Chef, you will work closely with the Catering Operations Manager to ensure smooth day‑to‑day kitchen operations, uphold food safety standards, and contribute to menu development that reflects current trends and customer preferences.
You’ll take the lead in the kitchen when required, setting the tone for quality, consistency, and efficiency.
This role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, student‑led environment where your creativity and leadership will make a real impact.
You’ll be based across our South Kensington and Hammersmith campuses, supporting a variety of events, private hires, and daily service needs.
If you’re passionate about food, thrive in a fast‑paced setting, and want to be part of a collaborative and inclusive team, we’d love to hear from you.
As Sous Chef, you’ll play a key role in delivering a high-quality catering experience across Imperial College Union venues.
You’ll be responsible for supporting kitchen operations, leading the team when needed, and ensuring compliance with all relevant standards.
Please see Job Description for full outline of duties.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead kitchen operations in the absence of the Catering Operations Manager
- Prepare and present high-quality dishes across a variety of catering demands
- Oversee stock management and assist with placing orders and receiving deliveries
- Monitor and maintain kitchen equipment to ensure safety and functionality
- Support menu development to meet customer expectations and budget targets
- Ensure compliance with Health & Safety and Food Safety regulations
- Collaborate with Venues and Events teams to align food offerings with beverage and event services
- Supervise and train casual kitchen staff to maintain high standards
- Engage with students and staff to gather feedback and drive continuous improvement
- Build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Work flexibly, including evenings and weekends, to support Union trading hours and events
- Promote a culture of warmth, inclusivity, and excellence within the team
Please see Person Specification in Job Description for full outline of duties.
We’re seeking a proactive and experienced Sous Chef who is passionate about delivering exceptional food and service.
You’ll be a strong team player with excellent communication skills and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Level 3 Food Safety Qualification
- Appropriate Health & Safety certification
- Proven experience as a Sous Chef in a high-volume catering or hospitality setting
- Significant experience in fast-paced kitchen operations
- Strong understanding of catering trends and customer preferences
- Working knowledge of Health & Safety regulations, COSHH, and best practices
- Commitment to personal and professional development
- Ability to promote high standards and act as a role model
- Commitment to working in a democratic, student-led environment
- Ability to manage competing priorities under pressure
Please note this role is with the Students’ Union.
We’re a registered charity in our right, with our own governance, systems, processes, and objectives.
However, we work extremely closely with Imperial College London, so you’ll also be joining a wider community of staff working within higher education.
If you’ve never worked in a students’ union, or are unsure why it’s different, we encourage you to get in contact.
It’s a brilliant place to work.
As an employee of Imperial College, you will be part of lively community and work in a friendly and relaxed environment.
Our aim is to provide to all our employees an encouraging and relaxed working environment with an emphasis on personal development and work-life balance.
Based on that we offer
- 27 days of holiday leave per leave year in addition to mandatory leave dates
- bicycle loan scheme
- season ticket loan
- excellent professional development opportunities and many more.
More information can be found on the Imperial College Benefits page
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Sous Chef employer: Imperial College London
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the International Relations Office. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, a commitment to diversity, and the chance to engage in meaningful projects that have a global impact, all set in the heart of one of the world's leading academic institutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Imperial College London. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Imperial College London
Don't be shy about reaching out to Imperial College London directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Imperial College London and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
