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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, creating delicious meals for students and events.
- Company: Join the historic Pembroke College community in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, gym access, wellbeing support, and local discounts.
- Other info: Great opportunities for personal growth and a fun work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative culinary team making a real impact on campus life.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery and two years' kitchen experience required.
The predicted salary is between 35608 - 35608 £ per year.
37.5 hrs per week
Trumpington St, Cambridge
£35,608 per annum
Welcome to Pembroke. Pembroke College is one of Cambridge's oldest and most celebrated communities founded in 1347, home to 195 staff, 73 Fellows, and over 700 students. Our Catering Team serves everything from daily student meals and formal Fellows' Dinners to weddings, feasts, and high-profile conferences set within our historic buildings and gardens.
As Junior Sous Chef, you'll step into a key leadership role supporting the Head Chef and Sous Chefs in running a professional, high-performing kitchen that feeds and impresses a diverse, discerning community every single day.
What you'll be doing:
- Deputise for the Sous Chef in their absence, leading shifts and supervising staff in the preparation and service of food to Fellows, guests, students and staff.
- Plan, oversee and assist in the production and service of food at College Feasts, Dinners, special Fellows' Dinners, conferences and private catering events.
- Develop training plans and introduce training programmes with guidance from the Head Chef, supporting the growth and motivation of the wider kitchen team.
- Compile and submit food orders in conjunction with the Head Chef, ensuring adequate stock rotation and encouraging the use of fresh, seasonal produce at all times.
- Contribute to the continued development of signature dishes for function catering, ensuring all dishes are produced to agreed standard recipes.
- Ensure all serveries are adequately staffed, prepared for service on time, and that food presentation is immaculate throughout every meal period.
- Monitor full compliance with HACCP and Food Safety procedures across all kitchen staff, offering training where required and conducting regular checks throughout service.
- Ensure the kitchen operates economically managing staff resource, energy usage, and minimising food production costs without compromising quality.
What we'd love you to bring:
- NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery (essential), plus a Basic Food Hygiene qualification and solid understanding of HACCP and COSHH.
- Minimum two years' experience in a professional kitchen environment, with some responsibility for managing and supervising a team.
- Strong culinary skills across a variety of cooking methods, with the ability and enthusiasm to pass those skills on to others.
- A genuine passion for food, creativity in the kitchen, and the drive to develop signature dishes and maintain exceptional standards.
- The ability to motivate and develop a team, communicate effectively at all levels, and foster a positive atmosphere in a busy kitchen.
- Self-motivated, honest, reliable and flexible comfortable working under pressure and adapting to the varied demands of a college catering operation.
- Basic computer literacy for emails, online ordering and menu planning.
Brilliant work deserves brilliant perks:
- Free meal on duty
- On-site gym
- Wellbeing & mental health support
- Medicash & healthcare
- Cycle to work scheme
- Local discounts
- NOW pension scheme, annual staff outing, Christmas gift and more
Junior Sous Chef in Cambridge employer: Pembroke College, Cambridge
Contact Detail:
Pembroke College, Cambridge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Sous Chef in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, join culinary groups, and attend local food events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a short video showcasing your cooking techniques. This can really set you apart from other candidates when you’re chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to places you’d love to work at, like Pembroke College. A friendly email expressing your interest can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios you might face in a kitchen environment. Show them you’re not just about cooking but also about leading and motivating a team!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sous Chef in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that spark of creativity and enthusiasm for food.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in managing a team and working in a professional kitchen. We appreciate when applicants take the time to connect their skills with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your experience and skills without having to sift through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pembroke College, Cambridge
✨Know Your Culinary Basics
Brush up on your culinary skills and knowledge of cooking methods. Be ready to discuss your experience with various cuisines and how you can contribute to Pembroke's diverse menu. Show them your passion for food and creativity!
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Junior Sous Chef, you'll be stepping into a leadership role. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed or supervised a team in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate others and maintain a positive atmosphere in a busy kitchen.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HACCP and Food Safety
Make sure you understand HACCP and food safety procedures inside out. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented these practices in previous roles and how you would ensure compliance in Pembroke's kitchen.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Think about signature dishes you've created or would like to develop. Bring ideas to the table during the interview and express your enthusiasm for contributing to Pembroke's catering events. They want to see your flair and originality!