At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and build a high-volume kitchen for a new all-day venue at University Green.
- Company: Join Manchester Students' Union, a vibrant community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 30 days leave, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Shape the food identity and create a buzz in a lively student environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in a busy kitchen and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 41000 £ per year.
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.
Create the food identity for a new Oxford Road venue, with the opportunity to build the kitchen, shape the offer and lead from day one. Manchester Students' Union is looking for a hands-on, commercially minded Head Chef to open and lead the kitchen for our new licensed restaurant and bar at University Green. This is our most significant commercial launch in a decade and a rare opportunity to build a kitchen operation from the ground up. Our new venue is an all-day food, drink and social space trading from morning coffee through to late night drinks, serving students, University staff, gig goers and the wider Oxford Road community.
As Head Chef, you will help create a food offer that is fast, consistent, high quality, good value, margin aware and genuinely relevant to the people using the venue. The food needs to work across lunch, early evening trade, events, group bookings, society activity and pre-gig visits. It should support the bar, suit the pace of the venue and give customers a reason to come back.
Working closely with the General Manager, you will open the kitchen, set the standards, build the routines and develop the team. You will lead on food quality, kitchen organisation, food safety, allergens, ordering, stock control, waste, supplier standards and food gross profit. You will also help create the kitchen culture from day one: organised, calm, safe, supportive and proud of the food being served.
You will lead and develop the Sous Chef, kitchen colleagues and student staff working in the kitchen. You will need to be confident leading service, training others, managing prep, maintaining consistency and working closely with bar and floor colleagues so the whole venue runs well during busy periods.
We are looking for a Head Chef with strong experience in a busy commercial kitchen, ideally at Head Chef, Kitchen Manager or senior Sous Chef level. You will need strong food safety knowledge, allergen awareness, experience managing food cost, stock, waste and portion control, and the ability to deliver quality and speed in a high volume environment. Experience in a bar, casual dining, student, event, music venue or city centre setting would be a real advantage.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and 40 hour contract
- 30 days' annual leave, bank holidays and an additional paid Christmas closure period of around two weeks
- Pension contributions, learning and development, staff discounts and wider Students' Union venue benefits
- Weekly trading rhythm suited to student and event led days with peak energy around term, Welcome, gigs and major student moments
Details:
- Salary: £37,000 - £41,000 per year
- Contract: Permanent
- Hours: 40 hours per week
- Eligibility: Open to applicants with relevant skills and experience who are eligible to work in the UK. A Personal Licence is essential.
Head Chef: Build & Lead High-Volume Campus Kitchen 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 Head Chef: Build & Lead High-Volume Campus 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 University of Manchester Students' Union. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to University of Manchester Students' Union
Don't be shy about reaching out to University of Manchester Students' Union 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 Head Chef: Build & Lead High-Volume Campus 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 University of Manchester Students' Union 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 University of Manchester Students' Union
✨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!
