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- Tasks: Lead a team in food production for the West Hub Canteen and cafes.
- Company: Join the prestigious University of Cambridge, known for its commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days of paid leave, competitive pay, and generous family-friendly schemes.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant community, making a difference in hospitality for students and visitors.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 3 Food Hygiene certificate and experience in a commercial kitchen.
- Other info: A full UK driving licence is essential; apply by 09 April 2025.
All potential applicants are encouraged to scroll through and read the complete job description before applying.
Department/Location: Estates Division - Business Services
Salary: £26,942-£30,805
Reference: XM43609
Closing date: 09 April 2025
The Role
The role-holder contributes to the food production for the West Hub Canteen and the University Catering Service's cafes. The role-holder works hands-on leading the team, ensuring that they operate efficiently and effectively. Provides hospitality catering services to a range of customers including University departments, students, and visitors.
Please be aware that a Full UK Driving Licence is essential for this role (a full EU Driving Licence is acceptable on appointment, but the successful applicant must transfer to a UK Licence prior to confirming a start date).
About You
- In order to succeed in this role, you will join us with a Food Hygiene certificate at level 3 / intermediate level
- Substantial knowledge of HACCP procedures
- Health and Safety Qualification e.g. IOSH Managing Safety
- Essential knowledge of monitoring quality control measures and hygiene systems
- Full driving licence
- Have substantial experience in a large commercial restaurant environment or fast casual dining outlet
- Experience of all aspects of staff management
- Experience of training staff
- Experience of dealing with customers
Benefits of working at the University of Cambridge include:
- Competitive rates of pay with automatic service-related pay progression and annual cost of living increases
- Generous annual leave allowance of 36 days paid leave (including bank holidays)
- Generous maternity, adoption and shared parental leave entitlement and other family friendly schemes (e.g. workplace nurseries and salary exchange schemes for childcare)
- An auto-enrolment pension scheme, with a generous employer contribution
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please email Estates Division. Please quote reference XM43609 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Section Chef employer: University of Cambridge
Contact Detail:
University of Cambridge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Section Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific food hygiene and safety regulations relevant to the role. Understanding HACCP procedures and health and safety qualifications like IOSH will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've effectively managed a team in a busy kitchen environment. Be ready to discuss your experience in training staff and ensuring quality control, as these are key aspects of the Section Chef role.
✨Tip Number 3
Since customer service is a vital part of this position, think about instances where you've successfully dealt with customer feedback or complaints. Highlighting your ability to maintain a positive dining experience will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure you have your driving licence sorted out, as it's a requirement for the job. If you're currently holding an EU licence, be prepared to discuss your plans for transferring it to a UK licence before your start date.
We think you need these skills to ace Section Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Section Chef position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experience.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your substantial experience in a large commercial restaurant environment or fast casual dining outlet. Mention any specific roles where you led a team or trained staff.
Certifications and Qualifications: Make sure to mention your Food Hygiene certificate at level 3 and any Health and Safety qualifications like IOSH Managing Safety. These are essential for the role and should be clearly stated in your application.
Follow Application Instructions: When applying, ensure you quote the reference XM43609 in your application and any correspondence. This shows attention to detail and helps the hiring team track your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Cambridge
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in food production and management. Highlight specific dishes or techniques you excel at, and be ready to explain how you ensure quality and hygiene in your cooking.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since the role involves leading a team, share examples of how you've successfully managed staff in previous positions. Discuss your approach to training and motivating team members to achieve high standards.
✨Know Your Health and Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with HACCP procedures and health and safety qualifications. Be ready to discuss how you implement these practices in a kitchen environment to maintain safety and hygiene.
✨Prepare for Customer Interaction
As the role involves dealing with a variety of customers, think about your customer service experiences. Be ready to share how you handle feedback and ensure a positive dining experience for all guests.
