At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist the head chef in daily kitchen operations and food preparation.
- Company: Join Manchester Students Union, a vibrant hub for student life and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 35-hour work week, Sundays off, and a great work-life balance.
- Other info: Shifts primarily Monday to Friday, making it ideal for students.
- Why this job: Perfect for those seeking a fulfilling culinary career without the usual long hours.
- Qualifications: Previous kitchen experience and a passion for cooking are essential.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We have a guide that explains our full recruitment process. We recommend reading through this before beginning an application. You can view it here.
If you are invited to interview with us, we will share our interview questions in advance so you can prepare your responses. We’re more interested in hearing about your experiences and ideas than in testing your memory, and so we want you to feel as prepared as possible.
We may close applications early if we receive a high volume of applications. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. In this case, all applicants who have started an application will be contacted 2 hours before we close the role.
Inclusivity and Accessibility
We are committed to equality of opportunity and we work hard to ensure we appoint based on merit. We particularly encourage applications from Disabled or Black, Black British, Black Welsh, Caribbean or African candidates as these groups are currently underrepresented in our staff team.
If you have any accessibility requirements or require adjustments to support you to apply to work with us, please get in touch. We can offer reasonable adjustments at all stages of our recruitment process.
Contact
You can contact the People Team with any questions regarding this vacancy or our recruitment process.
This new venture is our most significant commercial launch in a decade, and the Junior Sous Chef will play an important role in helping build the kitchen operation from day one.
You will support the Head Chef in launching and running the kitchen for a new all-day Oxford Road bar and social venue, delivering a food offer that supports the rhythm of the site from morning coffee and lunch through to early evening, events, group bookings and pre-gig trade. This is not a fine-dining kitchen, but it is a serious commercial food operation where pace, quality, consistency, organisation and teamwork will really matter.
Working closely with the Head Chef, you will help set up the kitchen, build its routines, support food preparation and service, and help maintain the standards that make the venue successful. You will lead kitchen shifts, support junior colleagues and studying staff, and help make sure food quality, kitchen organisation, food safety, allergens, stock control, waste and service speed are consistently well managed.
This is a strong development opportunity for someone who wants to grow into a senior kitchen leadership role. You will gain experience of a new opening, commercial kitchen controls, team leadership, service delivery and the wider role food plays in a busy bar and social venue. Just as importantly, you will help create the kitchen culture from the start: organised, calm, safe, supportive and proud of the food being served.
The food offer will be central to the success of the venue. It needs to work hard commercially, support the bar, deliver value for students and be strong enough to compete on Oxford Road. As Sous Chef, you will help balance speed with quality, consistency with creativity, and affordability with margin. Every commercial pound generated by the venue goes back into supporting students at the University of Manchester. That makes this a Sous Chef role where good food, strong teamwork, safe working and student impact all matter.
You will work as part of the wider Commercial team, alongside colleagues in Manchester Academy Venues, Bar 532 & Kitchen and Corridor Coffee, contributing to a growing Union hospitality operation with ambition beyond a single site. This is a rare opportunity for a hands-on, ambitious Sous Chef to be part of a major new opening and help build a kitchen with real purpose behind it.
Details
Salary:£26,000 – £30,000per year
Contract:Permanent
Hours:40hours per week
Eligibility:Open to applicants with relevant skills and experience who are eligible to work in the UK.
Recruitment Timeline
Applications opened:24/08/2026
Interviews:TBD
We may close applications early if we receive a high volume of applications. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
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Junior Sous Chef in Manchester employer: University of Manchester Students' Union
Join a dynamic and innovative team at our new all-day bar and social venue on Oxford Road, where your role as Sous Chef will be pivotal in shaping the kitchen's success from the ground up. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values creativity and teamwork, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a fast-paced environment. With a focus on quality and consistency, you'll not only enhance your culinary skills but also play a key part in delivering memorable dining experiences for our guests.
Contact Details:
University of Manchester Students' Union Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Sous Chef in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Research the Manchester Students Union and their culinary style. Familiarise yourself with their menu and any special events they host. This knowledge will help you stand out during interviews and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the Manchester Students Union. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying for the Junior Sous Chef position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with various cooking techniques and cuisines. Highlight any relevant skills that align with the job description, as this will demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to showcase your teamwork and leadership skills. As a Junior Sous Chef, you'll be expected to support the head chef and lead kitchen staff, so prepare examples of how you've successfully worked in a team or taken on leadership roles in previous positions.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sous Chef in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the specific responsibilities and requirements for the Junior Sous Chef position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that match what Manchester Students Union is looking for.
Craft a Compelling CV:Create a CV that showcases your culinary skills, previous kitchen experience, and any relevant qualifications. Make sure to emphasise your ability to work in a team and manage kitchen operations effectively.
Write a Personalised Cover Letter:Draft a cover letter that reflects your passion for cooking and your desire to work in a balanced environment like Manchester Students Union. Mention why you are interested in this specific role and how you can contribute to their team.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application demonstrates attention to detail, which is crucial in the culinary field.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Manchester Students' Union
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the culinary arts during the interview. Share specific examples of dishes you love to create and any unique techniques you've mastered. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the industry.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
As a Junior Sous Chef, you'll be working closely with other kitchen staff. Be prepared to discuss your experience in team settings, how you handle conflicts, and your ability to support your colleagues. This will show that you're a collaborative team player.
✨Discuss Work-Life Balance
Since this position offers a better work-life balance than many others in the industry, mention how important this is to you. Talk about how a balanced schedule can enhance your creativity and productivity in the kitchen.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer about the kitchen environment, menu development, or opportunities for growth within the company. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
