Chef

DEPARTMENT/SCHOOL

Estates

JOB TITLE

Chef

SALARY & HOURS

Band 2, 35 hours per week £26,290

Full-time - hours to be worked on a rota basis, including evenings and weekends as required

The University of Buckingham offers a unique atmosphere, unlike any other higher education institution. As the UK's smallest university and the only independent one with a Royal Charter, we bring together a diverse and vibrant community of staff and students from over 60 countries. Our size allows us to provide a highly personalised, supportive, and collaborative environment with significant opportunities for professional development. We take great pride in the inclusive culture we foster here.

The Estates Department is looking for a passionate and skilled Chef to join our in-house Catering Services team. Working under the direction of the Head Chef, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality, nutritious, and engaging food for students, staff, and visitors. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a growing catering offer that supports student experience, wellbeing, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present high-quality meals for daily service, events, and special functions.
• Support the Head Chef in developing creative, seasonal menus, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and other dietary options.
• Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, and portion control.
• Assist with catering for university events, themed food nights, workshops, and senior university functions.
• Support stock control, ordering, and rotation of ingredients to minimise waste and maintain service levels.
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health and safety, and allergen regulations at all times.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and well-organised kitchen environment.
• Provide support to kitchen staff as required.
• Engage positively with students and colleagues, contributing to a welcoming and inclusive catering environment.

About You

We are seeking a motivated individual with

• A recognised culinary qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery or equivalent).
• Food Hygiene Level 3 certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Proven experience working as a Chef in a professional kitchen environment.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced setting.
• A creative approach to menu development with an understanding of diverse dietary needs.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• A flexible approach to working hours, including evenings and weekends to support events and service requirements.
• A positive, proactive attitude with a passion for delivering excellent food and service.

What We Offer

Although we are a smaller institution, we offer a range of benefits including

• Beautiful working environments across our Buckingham campuses
• 30 days annual leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• On-site gym
• On-site catering facilities
• University bookshop with staff discount (Buckingham)
• Free on-site parking
• Discounted courses for staff and their families

Closing date

30/06/2026

Interviews

To be confirmed

Please note

suitable candidates may be contacted, interviewed, and appointed prior to the closing date.

Any offer of employment is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including eligibility to work in the UK on a permanent basis and DBS clearance (if applicable).

For further information and to apply, please visit

http://www.buckingham.ac.uk/about/hr/