Sous Chef

Working as part of a dedicated, cohesive, friendly, and talented team and under the direction of our Executive Head Chef and Deputy Head Chef, the Sous Chef will lead, inspire and develop the food offered to Fellows, students and staff, conference delegates, guests, and visitors. Through the development of innovative dishes, they will expand the College’s unique selling points to its commercial client base (conference, events and weddings) and provide nutritionally balanced dishes which support student life and wellbeing and reduce the College’s carbon footprint.

The successful candidate will become part of an exceptionally skilled kitchen team.  You will be passionate about cooking and have a deep appreciation of quality food with a proven knowledge of production and cooking techniques.

Experience of working in a contemporary award-winning restaurant, a 4-5 star hotel with fine dining or banqueting service or an institutional environment are essential but more important is your individuality.  The successful candidate will be upbeat, confident and be able to thrive in a busy, high volume environment.  You will be able to engage and connect with a wide range of people from different backgrounds and cultures.

A relevant culinary qualification to a minimum of Level 3 (City and Guilds 7061/7062) or an equivalent culinary degree and an advanced food hygiene certificate are required for this post.

In return, you will benefit from working for a warm, supportive and inclusive organisation (part of a world-leading university) offering good development opportunities to broaden your skills plus a comprehensive benefits package as follows:

• A free three-course meal whilst on duty.
• Membership of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).
• Excellent annual leave entitlement (up to 38 days per year) and additional days for long service following five years service.
• Subsidised bus pass loans, season ticket loans and cycle scheme loans.
• Access to the College’s employee assistance programme (a 24-hour telephone and online advisory and counselling service).
• Discount in University shops, free entry to other colleges and libraries, discounted computer software from the University Computing Service, free access to the Botanical Gardens and Harcourt Arboretum and discounted membership of the University’s gym and pool.
• Free annual flu vaccination.

We are a very sociable team and arrange various staff events throughout the year including quizzes, a summer BBQ, a Christmas event and more.

Chefs whites/uniform will be provided.

The College is committed to the professional development of all team members, and we actively invest and support our staff to grow their careers.

View Further Particulars Here

Application Process

Interested applicants should forward the following documents:

1. A Cover Sheet  detailing the names and contact details of two referees;
2. A current CV;
3. A covering letter, which explains how you meet the selection criteria for the post.

Documents should be sent preferably by email to recruitment@seh.ox.ac.uk. Applications can also be sent to the HR Manager, St Edmund Hall, Queen’s Lane, Oxford, OX1 4AR.

There is no deadline and applications will remain open until the post is filled.

All applicants will receive a response and shortlisted candidates invited to interview.

Visits to the College prior to application are welcome by emailing recruitment@seh.ox.ac.uk.

Informal enquiries about the post should be directed to the Executive Head Chef sam.white@seh.ox.ac.uk.

Equality of Opportunity

The Equal Opportunities policy of the College requires that all staff are offered equal opportunities within employment. Entry into employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria related to the post. Subject to statutory provisions, no applicant will be treated less favourably than another because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Applications are particularly welcome from women and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in Chef posts in Oxford.

Recruitment Monitoring

Please consider completing the online Equal Opportunity Monitoring Form.  Submission of this form is voluntary and does not form part of the selection process, but we would be grateful if you are willing to return it with your application to assist us with our equal opportunity monitoring. A paper copy can be obtained here.