At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Central Production Kitchen, creating delicious meals for events and dining services.
- Company: Join a vibrant team at HospitalityOnCampus within a prestigious University.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days holiday, a generous pension scheme, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities to work across exciting events and venues.
- Why this job: Make an impact on campus dining and events while honing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Food Hygiene and professional cookery qualifications required.
HospitalityOnCampus is seeking to appoint a highly motivated and enthusiastic Sous Chef to support the delivery of high-quality hospitality, events and dining services across the University campus. This vital role will help manage and lead the main Central Production Kitchen on a day-to-day basis, overseeing food preparation, production and service for a varied programme of catered conferencing, events, lunches, dinners, banqueting, weddings and other food-led operations across the department.
Working with the Executive Head and Head Chef, the post holder will provide operational leadership within the kitchen, guiding and motivating colleagues to achieve excellent standards of food provision, presentation, food safety and customer service. The successful candidate will play a key role in creating a vibrant food culture, supporting menu planning, menu costing and continuous innovation across HospitalityOnCampus. The role includes responsibility for supporting event delivery across multiple University venues, including large-scale dinners, weddings and conference activity, and working closely with front-of-house colleagues to ensure food is delivered safely, consistently and to agreed standards.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate:
- Level 3 (formerly Intermediate) Food Hygiene qualification.
- Professional cookery qualifications to a minimum of City and Guilds 706/2, or equivalent.
- Food production management skills gained within a similar environment, scope and scale.
- Working knowledge of operational compliance for Health and Safety regulations relating to catering operations, including up-to-date Food Safety and Allergen Management.
- Ability to work flexibly across weekdays, weekends and evenings to meet the requirements of events services across multiple locations.
- Ability to support menu planning, costing and development to the standards required within University catering services.
- Understanding of stock control, cost control and administration associated with purchasing and goods receipt.
- Good IT skills and understanding of relevant systems and processes.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including effective communication with colleagues for whom English may not be their first language.
- Influencing and leadership skills to advise, guide and support kitchen colleagues and reporting staff.
- Demonstrable knowledge and skills of customer service excellence, including customer liaison within a comparable environment.
- Ability to conduct effective individual meetings, reviews and routine follow‑ups.
- Evidence of accountability, initiative and the ability to manage and prioritise workload to meet deadlines.
University Catering encompasses a broad and diverse range of business areas - including retail outlets, catered halls, student bars, conferencing, events and hospitality. There are many benefits to working at the University:
- 34 days holiday, including Christmas and New Year
- Generous pension scheme with generous employer contribution
- A strong commitment to personal and career development, as well as wellbeing and mental health support
- Annual salary review
To find out more about staff benefits and working within catering at the University, visit our catering staff website: www.umc-limited.co.uk
For enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews: Eddie MaKuwaza - Executive Head Chef: eddie.makuwaza@manchester.ac.uk
General Enquiries: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Sous Chef [Central Production Kitchen] in Manchester employer: The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to comprehensive benefits including leading pension schemes and health services, all while contributing to the strategic direction of a prestigious institution in a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage and academic excellence.
Contact Details:
The University of Manchester Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef [Central Production Kitchen] in Manchester
✨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 The University of Manchester. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The University of Manchester
Don't be shy about reaching out to The University of Manchester 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 [Central Production Kitchen] in Manchester
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 The University of Manchester 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 The University of Manchester
✨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!
