At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team to create delicious, healthy, and sustainable meals.
- Company: Join the vibrant University of Strathclyde's culinary team in the heart of the city.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and the chance to influence campus dining.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities for creativity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food culture while working in a supportive and creative environment.
- Qualifications: Previous sous chef experience and strong management skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
The University of Strathclyde seeks to appoint a talented and energetic Sous Chef to join our dynamic Kitchen team and help shape the future of food across our vibrant city-centre campus.
As Sous Chef, you’ll lead one of our Kitchen teams, inspiring your colleagues to deliver food, which is delicious, healthy, sustainable and affordable, consistently.
You’ll provide key input into the development of innovative menus, ensuring variety, quality, and creativity that meets the needs of our students, staff, conference delegates, and visitors.
Working closely with the Head Chef, you’ll deputise in their absence, oversee day-to-day operations, and ensure full compliance with health and safety, food hygiene and COSHH regulations.
You’ll also take ownership of achieving key targets – from maintaining stock and GP levels to managing labour budgets – ensuring the kitchen runs efficiently and profitably.
This is a hands-on, fast-paced role where no two days are the same.
You’ll have the freedom to bring your ideas to life, influence menus across the University estate, and be part of a supportive team committed to excellence and sustainability in campus dining.
If you’re motivated, creative, and thrive in a busy kitchen environment, this is your chance to make a real impact in one of Scotland’s leading universities.
The successful candidate will have previous experience in a sous chef role, ideally within large-scale catering environments.
Strong management skills, experience in menu planning, and a proactive approach to continuous improvement are essential.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration across departments.
A working knowledge of food safety and health & safety standards are also required to ensure services are delivered safely.
Normal hours for this position are 35 and a flexible approach to a varied work pattern of 5 days over 7, including evenings and weekends, is essential.
Shifts will vary to meet campus, conference and events business requirements.
Sous Chef employer: University of Strathclyde
The University of Strathclyde offers an inspiring work environment at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront of our mission. Employees benefit from a strong commitment to professional development, a supportive culture that values diverse perspectives, and the chance to make a significant impact on the future of manufacturing in Scotland. Join us to be part of a pioneering team dedicated to driving meaningful change in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨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 Strathclyde. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to University of Strathclyde
Don't be shy about reaching out to University of Strathclyde 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
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 Strathclyde 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 Strathclyde
✨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!
