Job Description

Sous Chef (Refectory)

Joblink are acting as a recruitment agency on behalf of The University of Leeds.

Overview of the Role

The Catering and Hospitality Service (Great Food at Leeds (GFaL) https://gfal.leeds.ac.uk/ ) supports the student experience at the University. The department currently has a turnover in the region of 4.6 million and that is expected to increase significantly in 2022/23 as business levels recover. Providing customers with excellent service and quality fresh food is at the heart of what we strive to achieve.

As a Sous Chef you will ensure that all food produced meets departmental quality standards and customer expectations. You will ensure that food safety and labelling legislations are adhered to.

You will have a recognised catering qualification and hold a Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Level 2 Certificate in Food Safety, or equivalent. You will be committed to providing excellent customer service and you will have the ability to move, count and record stock. You will have experience of supervising a team with the ability to motivate staff and delegate work effectively.

This role is full time on a 5 days over 7 basis. Flexibility will be required to meet the business needs, with the requirement to be able to work early mornings, evenings and weekends.

Key Duties:

Assisting with the preparation, cooking, display and service of all food items, in accordance with the University Food Safety policy and approved food production plans; Work as part of the team to prepare, cook and present all food items produced within the kitchen, including the refectory menu, functions and outside catering as directed by the Head Chef; Supervision of a small team, being responsible for the delegation of work amongst less experienced staff in order to ensure an efficient service; Leading food production in the absence of the Head Chef, ensuring that food is produced to the required standards, that there is an adequate supply of food to meet customer requirements and that customer expectations are met at all times; Ensuring that the food produced meets the standards set by the department and that all food items are labelled and stored, in accordance with the University Food Safety Policy and food labelling legislation; Responding to specific dietary requests and special requirements, adapting menu provisions as necessary; Ensuring that all stock is rotated, and controlling stock on a "first in, first out" basis, assisting with the counting and recording of goods accurately on designated dates; Participating in menu and food development and attending meetings and training as required; Ensuring that the needs of the customer are met at all times, responding to customer needs and requests, meeting the department's customer care standards and reporting complaints to senior staff as soon as possible; Carrying out all cleaning necessary to meet the university standards, adhering fully to the designated cleaning schedule, completing relevant paperwork, and working in a clean and tidy manner at all times; Ensuring that all fridge, freezer and food temperatures are monitored, controlled and recorded, advising the Head Chef of any non-compliance to legislation or procedure; Ensuring equipment is left in a clean and tidy condition and that any defects or fabric problems are immediately reported to the correct body; Controlling and accurately recording all food wastage, production sheets and staff meals; Working with the Head Chef, contribute towards the mentoring of new kitchen staff, advising and guiding; Ensuring the University Food Safety Policy, Personal Hygiene Policy and Health & Safety Policy are adhered to at all times. Demonstrable behaviours in line with Commercial and Campus Support Services' and University values.
These duties provide a framework for the role and should not be regarded as a definitive list. Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the grade of the post.

You will need:

Experience of high quality and volume food production; A Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Level 2 Certificate in Food Safety, or equivalent; A recognised catering qualification; Experience of working in a frontline customer service environment with a commitment to providing excellent customer service and care; Experience of supervising a team, with the ability to motivate, develop and delegate tasks effectively; High attention to detail with the ability to move, count and record stock; Excellent communication skills, with the ability to develop effective working relationships with colleagues; The ability to work flexibly across Catering, Conferencing and Events; The ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team.

Additional personal competencies:

A Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Level 3 Certificate in Food Safety, or equivalent.
For further information about our catering services please visit; Great Food at Leeds - Your catering service at the University of Leeds

Where, when and pay?

Location:

University of Leeds, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK

Full Time:

35 hours per week - primarily Monday-Sunday with early starts we.

Interview Date:

19th September

Duration:

Initially to 12th December 2025 with potential to extend

Pay:

University Grade 5 - 16.26 per hour.

Sounds good?

To apply, please ensure your CV is uploaded to your Joblink profile

AND

answer the following questions:

What appeals to you about this role and why have you chosen to apply? What skills or experiences from your studies, voluntary or paid work will help you succeed in this role? What do you hope to gain from this role? How would this role support your future career plans?

(Please note: Applications missing both a CV and answers to the questions will not be considered.)

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary
Contract length: 4 months

Pay: 16.26 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Work Location: In person