Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Hours: An average of 36.5 hours per week. Additional hours during undergraduate terms, fewer during vacation.
Rate of Pay: From £28,585 to £31,973
Closing Date: 06 April 2025
Who are we?
Warwick SU is the heart of campus life - a dynamic, student-led, not-for-profit organisation. We run vibrant bars, food outlets, and nightlife events, funding over 300 clubs, societies, and student services, from education and campaigning to advice and support.
Location: Warwick Students’ Union, Coventry
Salary: £28,585 - £31,973 per annum (depending on experience) + excellent holidays & pension
Hours: 36.5 hours per week (varied shifts, minimal late nights)
Contract: Permanent (subject to a 26-week probation)
Interview date: Week commencing 14th April 2025
Closing date: 16:00 on Sunday, 6th April 2025 - This vacancy and advertisement will close earlier if an adequate number of applications are received. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you submit your application at your
earliest convenience.
Why Join Us?
Tired of late nights and no time off over the holidays? At Warwick Students’ Union (SU), we do things differently. As our Head Chef, you’ll enjoy:
✔️ Time Off Over Christmas & Summer – No working on Christmas Day, Easter, New Year, and more!
✔️ Work-Life Balance – Fewer hours during student vacations and rarely required past midnight.
✔️ Vibrant Campus Setting – Work in the heart of Warwick University’s stunning campus with access to excellent facilities.
✔️ Fantastic Benefits – A substantial pension scheme, wellbeing programme, cycle-to-work scheme, and salary extras.
About the Role
We seek a passionate and creative Head Chef to lead our kitchen team. You’ll be responsible for:
✔️ Overseeing daily kitchen operations in our busy, family-friendly eatery
✔️ Developing exciting, high-quality menus that cater to diverse tastes
✔️ Managing stock, suppliers, and kitchen budgets effectively
✔️ Leading and mentoring a team of chefs and kitchen staff
About You
✔️ Experienced in leading a kitchen team in a fast-paced environment
✔️ Skilled in creating fresh, exciting menus that cater to different dietary needs
✔️ A team player who thrives in a collaborative and student-focused setting
✔️ Knowledgeable about food safety and kitchen management best practices
About The Dirty Duck
A modern take on the classic pub experience, The Dirty Duck is where great food, quality drinks, and warm hospitality come together. We serve delicious, value-for-money meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients alongside a fantastic selection of real ales, fine wines, premium beers, and spirits.
At the heart of The Dirty Duck is our commitment to real ale, real food, real people, and a warm welcome – creating a friendly, laid-back atmosphere where everyone feels at home. Whether it’s a casual bite, a drink catch-up, or a lively night out, our focus is on exceptional customer care and an unforgettable experience.
Why Warwick Students’ Union?
At Warwick SU, we’re more than just a workplace – we’re a community. We’re committed to providing a fantastic experience for our students and staff, and we value adaptability, collaboration, inclusivity, problem-solving, responsibility, and support in everything we do.
Ready to take your career to the next level with a better work-life balance? Apply today and join us on this exciting journey!
Whoever you are, we’d love to hear from you.
For any queries, please contact jobs@warwicksu.com
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Head Chef
RESPONSIBLE TO: Food & Beverage Manager and, through them, to the Head of Strategic Operations, Operations Director, Chief Executive & Board of Trustees
RESPONSIBLE FOR: Chefs, Assistant Chefs, Commis & Chefs
MAIN PURPOSE FOR JOB: To support the Dirty Duck by preparing and cooking food to high standards while ensuring quality and portion control.
Collaborate with our dedicated team to design and implement high-quality menus that align with our offerings while managing margins and meeting service demands.
Maintain strong relationships with suppliers to guarantee the best provenance, quality, and pricing of ingredients with full traceability.
Take responsibility for hygiene and health and safety in food preparation areas. Always deliver excellent service to all customers.
MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
As Head Chef, you will lead the kitchen team to ensure seamless operations and an
exceptional dining experience. Your primary responsibilities include:
EXPECTED STANDARDS
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE / QUALIFICATIONS
EXPERIENCE
COMPETENCIES