Commis Chef

Full Time / Permanent

The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 24^th  August 2026

Interview date: W/C 1^st September 2026

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. The successful candidate(s) will have to ensure that they have the right to work in the UK or be able to secure this through another means without the sponsorship of the University. Further information about sponsorship is available on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

We are different so forget any ideas of what you think we do….

We are looking for a Commis Chef who shares our passion for great food to join us on our journey to create the best campus food experience. This post is a junior post within our team and will involve working with our Aspiring Chef team. This Post will help develop any aspiring chefs core skills and future progression with in the team. 

We produce fresh, nutritious and tasty dishes from scratch, with our 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.

Visit www.reading.ac.uk/menusofchange to find out more. 

Find out more about working in Hospitality in a University - https://youtu.be/r97ujErXPS8?feature=shared

Team Structure

The University operate 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.

You will have :

• The ability to prepare food following specified recipes, instructions and methods
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to recognise and deal with problems as they arise
• Ability to remain calm under pressure

Interviews will be held: W/C 1^st September 2026 on our Whiteknights Campus and will last 1 - 2 hours.

We operate a skills based assessment alongside our Chefs in a Kitchen. There is no interview in a meeting room. You need to be wearing appropriate clothing/footwear for Kitchen and bring your own knives. We can provide these on advanced request.

You’ll be asked to complete tasks and assessed on how you complete them. You are free to use your phone for information such as recipes. We may provide written recipes for you to follow. Our team are on-hand to help you use any unfamiliar equipment.

The key points of assessment are highlighted on the Job Description and marked with a P. You should be familiar with HACCP and Safer Food, Better Business - https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/safer-food-better-business-sfbb

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

All applications must be made via the University website.

Contact details:  Karlene Gaskell, Executive Chef, k.e.gaskell@reading.ac.uk

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