WSU, Coventry | 🕒 36.5 hrs/week | 💷 £24,189 – £24,379 | 📑 Permanent

Who are we?
Warwick Students’ Union is the beating heart of campus life at the University of Warwick. We’re a student-led, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to making student life exceptional.
Through our bars, food outlets and legendary club nights, we generate income to support over 300 student societies and clubs, and fund vital education, campaigning, and advice services.
We’re proud to do things differently – we’re inclusive, collaborative, and passionate about what we do. If you are, too, we’d love to hear from you.

What’s on offer?

• Salary: £24,189 – £24,379 per annum, plus excellent benefits
• Hours: Full-time, 36.5 hours per week (including evenings and weekends, with flexibility required)
• Contract: Permanent (subject to a 26-week probationary period, reviewed after 13 weeks)
• Location: Warwick SU, Coventry. Some off-site work may occasionally be required
• Closing Date: 9:00am on Sunday, 21 September 2025 (Please note: this vacancy may close early if we receive a high volume of applications. Apply early to avoid disappointment.)
• Interview Date: TBC

Benefits include:

• 20 days annual leave (pro rata)
• At least 18 additional days off during University closure periods (Christmas, Easter, and bank holidays)
• Dedicated wellbeing programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous pension scheme
• Access to a range of employee discounts and perks

What’s the role?
We’re looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Commis Chef to join our kitchen team at the Dirty Duck – a modern twist on the traditional pub, serving real value-for-money food, locally sourced products, and a wide range of drinks including real ales, premium beers, wines, and spirits. Our philosophy is simple: real ale – real food – real people – real welcome.

As a Commis Chef, you will support the day-to-day operation of our large, open-plan kitchen, helping to prepare and serve an evolving menu of pub classics and weekly specials to our 160+ capacity venue. Ideally, you’ll bring 2–3 years of experience working in a professional kitchen, although this is not essential. More important is your passion for food, willingness to learn, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-driven environment.

Who are you?
We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a passion for food and a basic knowledge of kitchen skills
• Ideally has 2–3 years’ experience working in a professional kitchen (beneficial but not essential)
• Works well in a team and communicates effectively with colleagues
• Is reliable, approachable, and motivated to learn
• Can stay calm and positive under pressure
• Takes pride in delivering great service and high standards

Why apply?
If you’re looking for something different to the usual corporate setting, you’ll find it here. At Warwick SU, you’ll be part of a diverse and dedicated team that’s passionate about making a positive impact. In return, we offer a supportive work environment, excellent benefits, and numerous opportunities for growth.
We’re proud to be an inclusive employer and actively welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. Whatever your story, we want to hear from you.

Got a question?
Please email us at: jobs@warwicksu.com

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Commis Chef

RESPONSIBLE TO: Outlet Manager, Deputy Outlet Manager and through them, Food and Beverage Manager, Operations Director, Chief Executive, Board of Trustees

RESPONSIBLE FOR: None

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB: To help with the preparation and service of food, ensuring high standards of food hygiene and customer care

MAIN DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

• To help prepare and serve food for sale to a high standard
• To serve customers in a friendly and helpful manner, according to organisational policy on customer care and outlet service standards
• To keep the preparation and service areas clean and tidy and free from rubbish
• To operate all machinery and equipment in a correct and safe manner.
• To abide by current legislation and organisational policy concerning food hygiene, health, safety and fire.
• To commit to reducing the SU’s environmental impact and promote environmental and ethical good practice.
• The above is to be carried out with regard to organisational policy on Equal Opportunities and continuous improvement
• Any other duties, in line with the job description, that may from time to time reasonably be required by the organisation

EXPECTED STANDARDS

• To work alongside our trained chefs and follow hygiene regulations and systems at all times.
• To comply with trading standards legislation at all times
• Be able to use all kitchen equipment without supervision
• Be able to prep to the required standard without supervision
• Maintain set portion control
• Ensure stock is rotated
• Contribute to the further development of menus
• Sign for receipt of deliveries
• To promote good customer care at all times.
• Smile at and greet each customer, be polite and courteous at all times. Thank the customer and give undivided attention to each customer.
• To implement Customer Care standards
• To apply the organisation's Equal Opportunities policy
• Ensure that organisational policy on Health and Safety is followed
• Ensure cleaning standards are maintained
• To complete relevant due diligence
• Maintain a clean and tidy work area
• Assist the team in deep cleaning tasks
• To use equipment for its designed purpose and according to organisational policy on Health and Safety
• To follow manual handling procedures
• Use appropriate protective clothing or equipment
• Maintain personal hygiene standards and standards of appearance at work
• To adhere to cleaning schedules, complete due diligence records, and implement hazard control procedures.
• To be carried out in line with the SU’s environmental policy.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE / QUALIFICATIONS

• Good understanding of customer care and a team player
• Ability to use your own initiative and work well under pressure
• Experience in cash handling
• Approachable and professional manner
• Understanding of health, safety and hygiene requirements
• Commitment to equality of opportunity
• Commitment to the values of Warwick SU
• Effective organisational and time management skills

DESIRABLE SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE / QUALIFICATIONS

• Basic hygiene certificate
• Experience of working within a kitchen