Salary range: £37,694 - £46,049
FTE: 1.0 (35 hours per week)
Term: Open
Closing date: 25 January 2026
The University of Strathclyde is transforming its campus, and our food and retail experience is evolving alongside it. We’re looking for an inspiring Group Development Chef to help shape the future of our vibrant catering operation and deliver exceptional experiences for our students, staff, and visitors every day.
As the culinary lead, you will oversee the culinary strategy across diverse catering outlets, hospitality events, and retail operations. Leading a dynamic team of chefs and kitchen staff, you’ll ensure the highest standards of food quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. You will have the opportunity to design innovative menus, promote sustainability initiatives, and contribute to the continuous improvement of our services.
This is a leadership position where you will manage budgets, procurement, and supplier relationships, while also ensuring our culinary operations align with the university’s goals for sustainability and inclusivity. You’ll have the freedom to bring your creative vision to life, all while working in a supportive, collaborative environment with a strong focus on staff development.
To succeed, you will bring extensive experience as a senior culinary or executive chef, ideally in a large-scale catering setting. You will demonstrate strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team. A proactive approach to continuous improvement and adaptability in a fast-paced environment are essential. You should be passionate about sustainability and committed to environmentally responsible practices in catering. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are vital for collaborating with various departments and engaging with external stakeholders. Relevant qualifications and experience in food safety and health & safety standards are essential.
The University of Strathclyde is one of the UK's leading universities, known for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the student experience. As the Group Development Chef, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for students and staff through exceptional culinary offerings.
In return for your skills and expertise, we offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the university’s culinary direction. Join a team that values creativity, excellence, and sustainable practices, and contribute to the growth and success of one of Scotland’s most prestigious universities.
The role requires a commitment of 35 hours per week, predominantly Monday to Friday, with some evenings and weekends to meet business needs.
Interviews are scheduled to take place on 5 February 2026.
For informal enquiries, please contact Graham Paterson, Head of Catering and Hospitality at graham.paterson@strath.ac.uk