Chef

The University   
   
At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community.  We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.   
  
Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.  
  
At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion.  It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.    
  
We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.  For more information on our EDI strategy and values, click here
   
The Role and Department    

 “Passionately delivering an outstanding experience”

We are a team of over 500, providing fresh and exciting catering throughout Durham University. This includes college dining halls, college bars, college cafés, visitor attractions and branded retail catering outlets.

Our students are extremely important to us, but we also provide catering to University colleagues, commercial guests, and VIPs including royalty.

Chefs are key back-of-house members of the catering team, responsible for supporting the Head Chef with food production and running of the kitchen and ensuring the highest quality food and standards are delivered. The post holder will also assist with the day-to-day cleaning of kitchen and catering equipment, receipt, and storage of goods, and checking and signing for deliveries.

Catering team members will be expected to adopt and promote a flexible approach to working, and to undertake any or all of the tasks outlined below regardless of their designated shift.

Successful candidates are expected to always promote a positive image of University Catering and Durham University.
Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.  

48hr Annualised Contract

The post is Annualised Hours, where you will work 1820 hours per annum. 

You will work a maximum of 48 hours per week during the University term time, and then work fewer hours in vacation periods. 

Your monthly pay will remain the same. Salary up to £22,681 per annum, plus an annual market supplement of £1,500 and a flexible working supplement of £3,500, would increase the salary range from £ 26,543 to £27,681 

Please note: Interviews are expected to take place the week commencing 25th March 2024

  
Working at Durham   
  
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:   
  
•    27 Days annual leave per year (in additional to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year), a total of 39 days including time off between Christmas and New Year .  
•    No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.  
•    Discounts via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.   
•    On site nursery is available and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16 throughout the year. 
•    Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.   
•    The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities.  
•    Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers)   
•    If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues  from qualifications, to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.  
•    Generous pension schemes.   
    

What you need to demonstrate when you apply     

To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we’re looking for: 

  1.     Experience of working in all sections of the kitchen in a high-volume, high-quality catering operation.

   2.     Good oral and written communication skills

   3.     Experience of working as part of a customer focussed high quality catering team.

   4.     Experience of supervising and food production within a modern high volume catering environment, including high profile functions

   5.     Experience of managing time and prioritising to meet deadlines. 

   6.     Experience of providing advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.   

   7.     Ability to proactively solve problems as part of a team and resolve straightforward issues.   

   8.     Good IT skills, including use of Microsoft Office.

   9.     Experience of working to standard operating procedures.

   10.  Works in advance and has a positive ‘can do’ attitude.

   11.  A commitment to a flexible and hands on style of working that promotes impartiality and a team approach.

Desirable    

   1.     Five GCSE’s at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent experience).

   2.     Level 2 Health & Safety qualification.

   3.     Level 2 food hygiene qualification.  

   4.     Evidence of personal development to maintain skills.

How to Apply    

We prefer to receive applications online.  When you apply you need to submit a CV and/or a statement that tells us your experience and gives examples of how you meet the criteria above and/or submit the application form and include the information within the form.  
  
We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.   
  
Who to contact for more information  
   
If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, Dave Walker would be happy to speak to you [email protected].   
 

Typical Role Requirements  

Here are the kind of activities that you’ll be asked to undertake and ways in which you’ll be expected to operate.

Service Delivery
•    Provide an excellent and timely service to our students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role.
•    Log, record and pass on information for use by others.
•    Follow established procedures when carrying out your role and vary or refer to more senior colleagues when necessary.
•    Collect, organise and record data and information accurately for use by others.
•    When carrying out your role, apply relevant industry and regulatory standards.
•    Carry out some tasks that may require specialist skills.
•    Operate everyday tools and domestic equipment.
•    Look after yourself and others by following health and safety regulations, being aware of any hazards and risks and reporting any incidents.
•    Follow established security protocols when dealing with other staff that are new to an area of work.

Teamwork/Liaison and Supervision
•    Delegate tasks to other members of the team and make sure that they have been completed.
•    Explain systems and procedures to new starters and provide advice and guidance when required so that they know how to carry out their role.
•    Help to coach assigned team members and provide any ongoing training needs.
•    Help to move, set-up and maintain any facilities, equipment or tools.
•    Help your colleagues when required with other key activities undertaken within your service.
•    Liaise with staff in other areas to ensure that services are being delivered in an efficient and collaborative way.
•    Help team members review and update risk assessments.

Communication/Personal
•    Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.
•    Follow established procedures to respond to queries and bring any complex issues to the attention of more experience team members.
•    Respond to queries and provide information about events and activities run by the service.
•    Learn the skills needed to deliver services in a catering environment.

•    Any other reasonable duties

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices – Durham University  which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.    
   
When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.