At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary strategy and create innovative menus for a vibrant catering operation.
- Company: Join the University of Strathclyde, a top UK university focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of campus dining while promoting sustainability and inclusivity.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience as a senior chef with strong leadership and communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for creativity and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 37694 - 46049 £ per year.
The University of Strathclyde is transforming its campus, and our food and retail experience is evolving alongside it. We’re looking for an inspiring Group Development Chef to help shape the future of our vibrant catering operation and deliver exceptional experiences for our students, staff, and visitors every day.
As the culinary lead, you will oversee the culinary strategy across diverse catering outlets, hospitality events, and retail operations. Leading a dynamic team of chefs and kitchen staff, you’ll ensure the highest standards of food quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. You will have the opportunity to design innovative menus, promote sustainability initiatives, and contribute to the continuous improvement of our services.
This is a leadership position where you will manage budgets, procurement, and supplier relationships, while also ensuring our culinary operations align with the university’s goals for sustainability and inclusivity. You’ll have the freedom to bring your creative vision to life, all while working in a supportive, collaborative environment with a strong focus on staff development.
To succeed, you will bring extensive experience as a senior culinary or executive chef, ideally in a large-scale catering setting. You will demonstrate strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team. A proactive approach to continuous improvement and adaptability in a fast-paced environment are essential. You should be passionate about sustainability and committed to environmentally responsible practices in catering. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are vital for collaborating with various departments and engaging with external stakeholders. Relevant qualifications and experience in food safety and health & safety standards are essential.
The University of Strathclyde is one of the UK's leading universities, known for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the student experience. As the Group Development Chef, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for students and staff through exceptional culinary offerings.
In return for your skills and expertise, we offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the university’s culinary direction. Join a team that values creativity, excellence, and sustainable practices, and contribute to the growth and success of one of Scotland’s most prestigious universities.
The role requires a commitment of 35 hours per week, predominantly Monday to Friday, with some evenings and weekends to meet business needs.
Interviews are scheduled to take place on 5 February 2026.
For informal enquiries, please contact Graham Paterson, Head of Catering and Hospitality at graham.paterson@strath.ac.uk
Group Development Chef (779605) in Glasgow employer: University of Strathclyde
Contact Detail:
University of Strathclyde Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Development Chef (779605) in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who might have ties to the University of Strathclyde. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to meet with the hiring team, bring along some innovative menu ideas or sustainability initiatives you've implemented in the past. This will demonstrate your passion and vision for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the university's current catering operations. Understanding their goals and challenges will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the culinary experience at the university.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Development Chef (779605) in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Culinary Passion: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you in the culinary world. We want to see your creativity and enthusiasm for shaping exceptional dining experiences.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Group Development Chef. We’re looking for someone who can lead a team and innovate, so don’t hold back on showcasing your leadership and culinary achievements!
Highlight Sustainability Efforts: Since sustainability is key for us, be sure to mention any initiatives or practices you've implemented in your previous roles that promote environmentally responsible catering. Show us how you can contribute to our goals in this area!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into our system quickly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Strathclyde
✨Know Your Culinary Vision
Before the interview, take some time to think about your culinary philosophy and how it aligns with the university's goals for sustainability and inclusivity. Be ready to share specific examples of innovative menus you've created or sustainability initiatives you've implemented in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Group Development Chef, you'll be leading a diverse team. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've inspired and motivated your team in the past. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them while maintaining high standards of food quality and customer satisfaction.
✨Understand the Business Side
This role involves managing budgets and supplier relationships, so brush up on your financial acumen. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed costs in previous positions and how you approach procurement to ensure quality and sustainability.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the university's catering operations and their vision for the future. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to demonstrate your communication skills!