Junior Sous Chef

Job Title: Junior Sous Chef
Salary: £36,000
Location: Oxford, UK

Oxford University seeks to recruit a friendly, energetic, and skilled Junior Sous Chef to join our dynamic culinary team. Reporting directly to the Executive Head Chef, you will play a vital role in delivering consistently high quality food and exceptional service across our college community.

About the Role

Your responsibilities will include preparing and presenting high standard food for a variety of settings-from daily catering to special events and functions-while ensuring all food is prepared to the highest standards, managing supplier relationships, and actively participating in menu planning, costing, and innovation.

As a Junior Sous Chef you will foster a positive kitchen environment, encourage teamwork, and develop junior staff members, making a meaningful impact on our community through culinary excellence and sustainable practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the smooth operation of the college kitchens and ensure all food preparation meets high standards of quality and presentation.
• Assist in menu creation, planning, and costing for daily services and special events.
• Manage food ordering and stock control, maintaining efficient inventory levels.
• Supervise, support, and develop kitchen staff to ensure a motivated and professional team.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, food hygiene standards, and college policies.
• Contribute to sustainability initiatives, including waste reduction and sourcing local ingredients.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised kitchen environment at all times.

What We're Looking For

• Excellent culinary skills with experience creating menus for daily catering and special occasions.
• Proven ability to produce high quality food in a fine dining or similar environment.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to encourage and develop team members.
• Good knowledge of food safety standards and kitchen management.
• Creativity and enthusiasm for menu innovation and sustainability.
• Previous experience working within a busy, high standard kitchen environment.

Why Join?

• A competitive salary of £36,000 per annum.
• Membership of the University's staff benefits program, including 38 days' paid holiday (pro rata for part time roles), a pension scheme, and access to world class facilities.
• Opportunities to contribute to sustainability initiatives and community building activities.
• A supportive environment that values continuous, lifelong learning and career development.
• The chance to work within a prestigious academic environment with a rich cultural diversity.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about culinary excellence and eager to contribute to a vibrant academic community, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application, including a CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role.