Overview
Full Time, Permanent
The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 28 September 2025. Interviews are to be held in W/C 29th September 2025. Sponsorship will not be possible under the Skilled Worker Route for candidates who do not already have permission to work in the UK. This role is aCook who shares a passion for great food as part of a campus food experience. This post is a junior position within our team and will involve working with our Aspiring Chef team. It will help develop aspiring chefs’ core skills and future progression within the team.
We produce fresh, nutritious and tasty dishes from scratch, with menus changing daily and following seasonality across six kitchens. We are committed to the 24 Principles of Menus of Change, guiding our thinking around nutrition and sustainability. We are the first European Member of the Menus of Change Universities Research Collaborative (MCURC). MCURC is a group of 70 like‑minded Universities committed to using academic and operational research to improve the health of individuals and the planet.
Find out more about working in Hospitality in a University.
Team structure
The University operates three teams of Chefs, each reporting to a Head Chef covering our Hotel, Cafes, Bars, Event Catering and large Dining Halls. Staff regularly move between teams to ensure professional development.
Responsibilities
* Support the Aspiring Chef team to develop core culinary skills and contribute to a positive learning environment for aspiring chefs.
* Assist in producing fresh, nutritious dishes from scratch; work within menus that change daily and follow seasonal availability across six kitchens.
* Contribute to delivering high standards of food quality and service in line with university policies.
* Collaborate with colleagues across teams to support professional development and cross-training opportunities.
Qualifications/Requirements
* Interest in professional development as a junior cook; ability to work as part of a team and follow direction from senior chefs.
* Right to work in the UK. Sponsorship will not be provided under the Skilled Worker Route.
* Applications are invited from external and internal candidates; internal candidates may be seconded with prior discussion with their line manager.
* All applications must be made via the University website.
Additional information
* The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
* For more information, please contact: Karlene Gaskell, Executive Chef, k.e.gaskell@reading.ac.uk
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