Section Chef

We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic Section Chef to join the University of Cambridge Catering Service. This is an exciting opportunity to create exceptional food whilst benefiting from a predominantly Monday to Friday working pattern and an excellent range of employee benefits.

Based within the West Hub Canteen and Occidente Restaurant, you'll play an important role in delivering high-quality food for students, staff, visitors and guests, while also supporting a diverse programme of conferences, receptions and events across the University estate.

Working closely with the Head Chef, kitchen team and wider University Catering Service colleagues, you'll prepare and present dishes to a consistently high standard, helping to ensure food is produced efficiently, safely and in line with the needs of a varied and dynamic catering operation.

Key Responsibilities:

As a Section Chef, you will:

Prepare, cook, and present dishes within your section to a high standard, ensuring consistency, quality, and attention to detail.
Support catering for university events, producing food for meetings, receptions, conferences, and large scale functions across multiple sites.
Work collaboratively with the kitchen team, assisting with menu preparation, and service delivery.
Maintain excellent food safety and hygiene standards, following all relevant procedures and ensuring your section is clean, organised, and compliant.
Assist with stock control, including rotation, labelling, and reporting shortages or issues to senior chefs.
Contribute to menu development, offering ideas for seasonal dishes, event menus, and improvements to existing recipes.
Support the movement of food and equipment between sites when required, ensuring timely and safe transport.
Help train and guide junior team members, promoting good practice and a positive working environment.
Adapt to changing event requirements, adjusting preparation and service plans as needed to meet deadlines and expectations.
Ensure efficient working practices, helping to minimise waste and support cost effective operations.

About you:

We're looking for a skilled and motivated chef who takes pride in producing high-quality food and enjoys being part of a busy, supportive team.

You'll thrive in a varied role, adapting to different menus, venues and styles of service while maintaining consistently high standards. You are organised, reliable and confident managing your own section, but equally happy to support colleagues and contribute wherever needed.

You'll have strong communication skills, remain calm under pressure and approach your work with a positive and proactive attitude. Food safety, hygiene and attention to detail are important to you, and you're committed to maintaining a clean, safe and efficient kitchen environment.

Most importantly, you'll bring enthusiasm, professionalism and a genuine passion for great food, whether you're preparing dishes for everyday service or helping to deliver memorable experiences at high-profile University events.

Why work with us?

In addition to joining one of the world's leading universities, you'll benefit from:

Predominantly Monday to Friday working, offering a healthier work-life balance than many hospitality roles.
Competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including generous annual leave and pension provision.
The opportunity to work across a diverse range of catering operations, from café service to prestigious University events.
A supportive and collaborative team environment.
Opportunities to develop your skills and contribute to menu innovation.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please email Estates Division on [email removed]

Please quote reference XM51624 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.