Chef

University of Buckingham - Estates

Location:BuckinghamSalary:£25,290 Band 2, per annumHours:Full TimeContract Type:PermanentPlaced On:28th January 2026Closes:13th February 2026Job Ref:173

HOURS: 35 hours per week

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

Informal enquiries may be made to Paul.Cleary@Buckingham.ac.uk.

Closing date: 13/02/2026

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 click on the 'Apply' button above.