At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook delicious meals for students in a vibrant campus café.
- Company: Join Sunderland College, a top-rated educational institution with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Term-time role with opportunities for professional development and growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values creativity and innovation in the kitchen.
- Qualifications: Food Safety Level 2 and experience in commercial cooking required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
About the College
Sunderland College has been delivering highly successful courses for more than 20 years and is one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the North East with approximately 14,300 students. The College has two campuses across the city of Sunderland, offering a wide range of academic and vocational provision for school leavers and adults. The College aims to develop and positively shape lives, communities, and the economy through teaching, learning and development of skills. Our students consistently achieve outstanding results and Sunderland College has been ranked in the top 25% in the country for student achievement rates. In October 2024, we were ranked as Ofsted outstanding, and we are proud of our diverse student and staff community that provide our students with bespoke education pathways to help them achieve their future career goals.
As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognise that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing. We're looking for innovative people who can inspire our menu and offer something different. This busy role involves all aspects of food preparation and cooking to providing a customer orientated service for our students and service users.
The successful candidate will have a good understanding of menu costs to ensure we are offering a value for money service, with nutritional healthy foods, whilst achieving budget. You will have a good understanding of HACCP, COSHH and Food Allergen guidelines and implement these through your practices. You will need to drive forward ways to maximise income in the catering outlets whilst enhancing the service provision.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Chef within our Bede Campus and other EPNE sites when necessary. It is a term-time only role, and there are no staff management responsibilities expected. The successful candidate will work as part of the catering team between 7.45am and 3.45pm and will report to the Chef Supervisor and Food & Beverage Manager. The Chef role will take responsibility for the day-to-day preparation, cooking and serving of the breakfast and lunch menus assisted by catering assistants in the Campus café kitchen. The college caters for around 500 covers through breakfast and lunch.
Role Responsibilities
- To provide operational food preparation, cooking and serving of breakfast and lunch in the main Campus Cafe.
- To ensure departmental financial controls are adhered to and targets are achieved through maximising income, whilst enhancing service provision.
- To lead in the preparation, cooking and service of provision to provide a menu that is of a high standard and exceeds our customers' expectations.
- To adhere to all food safety and health and safety legislation and in house systems.
Qualifications
- Food Safety L2 NVQ 2 - Professional cookery or Food Preparation and Cooking.
- Allergen Awareness and Control Level 2.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Commercial food preparation and cooking experience.
- A good understanding of Health and Safety within the workplace.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate to people of all levels.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work under own initiative and deal with problems as they arise.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Competent IT skills, Microsoft Office.
- EPOS system knowledge.
- Educational environment experience.
What's in it for you?
Join EPNE and you'll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package. Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays (Excluding Term Time Only contracts). Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role). LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role. Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more. We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans. Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Free parking on most campuses.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities. We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply. As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.
Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check. We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Chef in Sunderland employer: Sunderland College
Sunderland College is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises professional development and innovation in teaching. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to supporting diverse learners, employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying flexible working arrangements in an Ofsted Outstanding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Sunderland
✨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 Sunderland College. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sunderland College
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sunderland College 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 Chef in Sunderland
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 Sunderland College 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 Sunderland College
✨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!
