We are looking for enthusiastic, reliable, and hardworking people, who have a keen eye for detail and excellent customer service skills who will take pride in their work and who enjoy working in a fast-paced catering environment.

Working within a Halls of Residence Catering Unit at University Park, you will be responsible for serving customers, using our tills and supporting with general cleaning within the area where you work to include working within the dishwash/potwash area and adhering to all food safety and health and safety regulations, standards, policies, procedures and codes of practice.

As a member of our team, you will have a positive approach and be a colleague that the team look forward to working with and building strong relationships with others to accomplish tasks and shared goals. You will have an eye for detail and aim to deliver the exceptional operational standards required particularly at busy service times. The role can be physically demanding but lifting aids and full training will be provided.

Further information is available in the role profile. 

Available Positions:- Please indicate your preferred day when submitting your application.

Option 1- Monday to Friday Dinner: Hours of work 15 hours per week (5 days out of 7 to be arranged, mainly Monday to Friday) working between the hours 5.00pm - 8.00pm for 30.6 working weeks of the year on a permanent fractional open-ended contract. Work rota calendar attached/Flexibility will be required.

Option 2- Monday to Friday Dinner: Hours of work 15 hours per week (5 days out of 7 to be arranged, mainly Monday to Friday to include regular weekends) working between the hours 5.00pm - 8.00pm for 30.6 working weeks of the year on a permanent fractional open-ended contract. Work rota calendar attached/Flexibility will be required.  This post will include additional 15% uplift/payments for any hours worked over the weekend.

Option 3- Monday to Friday Dinner: Hours of work 15 hours per week (5 days/shifts, mainly Monday to Friday) working between the hours 6.00pm - 9.00pm for 30.6 working weeks of the year on a permanent fractional open-ended contract. Work rota calendar attached/Flexibility will be required.

What we offer-  

• A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment
• Permanent fractional open-ended contract.
• An excellent holiday allowance: For staff on fractional contracts annual leave will be pro rata within the contracted 36 weeks of the total contract. Additional to this discounted childcare and a highly attractive pension scheme. 
• Employee Assistance Programme and Counselling Service- 24/7 support. 
• Uniform provide plus the tools you need to do a great job.
• We are committed to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities.
• You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more. To find out more about what we can offer you, follow the link to our benefits website

What next

Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details.

Successful candidates will be expected to attend induction training courses which will run each month, Monday to Friday on University Park Campus. Further details will be given at the interview.

The interviews for these posts are informal and will take no longer than 20 minutes.

For general queries please contact our Estates Recruitment email at bw-estatesrecruit@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted. 

Please Quote Reference: NHE271426

All of our vacancies are available to view at: 

https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/jobs/home.aspx 

Closing Date: 22 Jul 2026
Category: Operations and Facilities

Ready for your first step into kitchen leadership?

We're looking for experienced chefs and Chef de Parties who are ready to progress into a Second Chef role at the University of Nottingham. We're not looking for the finished article. If you've got strong cooking skills, experience in a busy kitchen and have some experience of  leading others, we'll support you to develop through our Catering Pathways Academy.

Your role as Second Chef 

Based at the stunning University Park campus, you’ll be at the heart of one of our busy student Halls of Residence — supporting and deputising for the Head Chef in running one of our halls kitchens, developing your experience in leadership, stock management and large-scale catering while still being hands-on with food.

About the role 

This is a fantastic opportunity for a chef who is passionate about fresh, quality food and looking to take the next step in their career. Within the role you will:

• Prepare and serve consistent, high-quality meals for our resident students during term time 
• Cater for a variety of events, conferences, and weddings (up to 350 guests) during vacation periods 
• Step up in the Head Chef’s absence to lead the team and ensure smooth operations 
• Get involved in everything from formal banquets to lively student dining 

This is a hands-on role that involves leadership, creativity, and a genuine love for food. 

What’s in it for you? 

• Great work-life balance – sociable hours compared to most hospitality roles 
• Job security – a permanent, year-round contract with one of the UK’s top universities 
• Career development – structured training, support, and industry-recognised qualifications to help you grow 
• Generous holiday allowance – 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and additional university closure days 
• Excellent staff benefits – including Employee Assistance Programme, supplier discounts, travel schemes, and access to state-of-the-art sports facilities 
• Supportive environment – join a professional, friendly team with regular staff events and networks 
• Tools & perks – uniform provided and everything you need to do your job well 

Further information on the benefits available can be found at the link below. https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/jobs/home.aspx

We’re seeking someone who is: 

• Passionate about food
• Qualified to 706 1/2 or NVQ 1/2 in Food Production, or has relevant experience in a busy kitchen environment 

Further information on the skills and knowledge required for the role can be found on the attached Role profile.

Working hours 

• 36.25 hours per week, across 5 days out of 7 (mainly 11.15am–7.30pm), including regular weekends 
• Occasional early shifts (6.00am–2.15pm) or late finishes (up to 10.00pm) during special events 
• Flexibility is required — and job share arrangements may be considered 

The recruitment process 

We will ask you to attend a short interview and then a practical skills test (around 2 hours). Full details will be provided to shortlisted candidates  

Closing Date: 06 Jul 2026
Category: Operations and Facilities