Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.
The University
At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. 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.
We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University.
The Role and the Department
The Operations Directorate: Elevating the Student and Staff Experience
The Operations Directorate is dedicated to providing a world-class experience for our diverse student and staff communities, which is essential to our students’ learning journey. Our passionate team delivers services and facilities across 15 colleges, including catering, housekeeping, reception, security, and maintenance.
All staff within the Operations Directorate share the responsibility for supporting environmental and social sustainability initiatives including water and energy conservation and re-use and recycling as outlined in operating procedures. These resources create a safe environment where our students can live, work, dine, socialise, and thrive together.
Within the Operations Directorate, we have three key areas:
1. University Catering: Our robust catering team of 500 ensures fresh, exciting, and diverse dining experiences throughout our colleges, catering to the unique needs of our University Community, which includes students, staff, and visitors, and offer expert advice on bar management.
2. College Operations: With over 200 dedicated professionals, we provide residential services within the colleges as well as supporting student and non-student-led events.
3. Retail Services: Our branded retail catering and merchandise outlets offer an enticing array of menus and high-quality products thoughtfully presented to enhance the shopping experience for our students and staff whilst building positive relationships via efficient service and attentive staff.
The Role
The Senior Head Chef will be responsible for supervising a large kitchen team which produces three meals per day for up to 600 students and staff. The post holder will be responsible for catering for high profile clientele, private dining external functions and banqueting. The Head Chef must be able to develop existing teams to ensure that consistently exceptional standard of food and service is delivered. The post holder will also assist with day to day cleaning of kitchen and catering equipment, receipt and storage of goods, 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.
The post holder will be required to work flexibly across all catering areas.
In addition to a highly competitive salary and rewards package, our strategic focus includes ongoing development opportunities for our people. Join us today and shape your career at Durham University!
Working at Durham
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:
- You’ll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
- We offer a generous pension scheme, and as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
- No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. You can also take advantage of our cost-effective and environmentally friendly Tusker Car Benefit Scheme, allowing you to lease a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance.
- We have a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
- We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
- Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
- We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
- You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.
- Various salary sacrifice schemes are also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.
- If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs, and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.
Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion
Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive.
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. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.
What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification
When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.
Your application should cover the following criteria:
Essential Criteria
Qualifications/Experience
1. Experience of leading a high volume food production kitchen*
2. Experience and supervising/managing a team and/or line management qualification*
3. Extensive knowledge of Food Safety inc Allergen Management *
4. Five GCSE’s at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or a Post-16 qualification or equivalent experience.
5. Experience and expertise in the development and delivery of services.
6. Experience of providing advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues
7. Experience of implementing policies and procedures.
8. Experience of supervising/managing a team and/or a line management qualification.
Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
9. Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
10. Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps.
11. Committed to continuing professional development.
12. Ability to plan and organise events and activities involving the service.
13. Ability to solve problems as part of a team and decide on and plan appropriate solutions.
14. Ability to participate in networks to share and discuss good practice and exchange information.
15. Ability to contribute to operational planning activities.
16. Relevant industry and professional recognition and certification of skills and knowledge
17. Experience of working to a given budget.
Desirable Criteria
1. Working knowledge of a computerised event booking system.
2. Experience of working with a online food procurement system.
How to apply
To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence. Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).
While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.
Submitting your application
We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails
What you are required to submit:
- A CV
- A covering letter or statement which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification
Contact details
If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, the Systems and Administration Team would be happy to speak to you.
[email protected].
Typical Role Requirements
Service Delivery
- Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the University’s values.
- Ensure that any procedures and expectations that apply throughout the University are reflected in all aspects of the service provided by the team and adapt ways of working where this is not evident.
- Manage, maintain and monitor designated equipment, facilities, and systems to ensure safety, security and compliance.
- Provide the best possible service to staff, students and others who you work with by reviewing and making suggestions to improve the service.
- Collect, organise and analyse data and information (such as customer feedback) accurately to provide reports.
- Ensure that public areas are safe and secure and respond to and report any incidents.
Planning and Organisation
- Plan and organise operational activities carried out by the specified services which you are responsible for.
- Manage frontline services in a variety of different outlets and buildings across the University.
- Plan, manage and deliver assigned projects, activities and events in accordance with agreed objectives.
- Manage budgets and expenditure including buying (and returning) goods and services.
Team Development
- Supervise team members and manage any other people/resources that are assigned to you and provide an initial response to any related HR issues.
- Explain systems and procedures to induct new starters into the team and provide specialist advice and guidance including any training (including customer service excellence).
- Contribute to performance review processes by providing feedback on individual and team objectives and expectations, considering any development needs.
Communication/Liaison
- Develop and improve services by taking part in meetings, working groups and committees.
- Liaise with other service areas to ensure the most diverse and accessible delivery and promotion of projects, events and initiatives.
- Create good working relationships, including internal and external networks, which allow you to increase your knowledge and skills while swapping information with peers.
- Act as a key point of contact between the University and internal and external stakeholders, including donors and employers.
- Build relationships with contractors and third-party suppliers to share good practice, exchange information and work together on joint initiatives.
- Contribute to internal and external presentations and public relations events promoting the Durham University reputation, encouraging participation and income generation.
- 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.
Durham University is a UKVI sponsor. Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK should note that not all roles are eligible. Further information on visa requirements and eligibility can be found on the UKVI website.
Version 07-2026
