FE Chef Instructor/Mentor

About the University

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. 

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the College/Department

At the University of Derby, our Institute of Education and Skills is at the heart of shaping the educators, trainers, and leaders of tomorrow. We are dedicated to inspiring, developing, and empowering professionals across education, training, and lifelong learning to transform lives and communities.

We deliver high-quality programmes that span teacher training, post-16 education, early years, educational leadership, and workforce development. By combining academic expertise with real-world application, we prepare our students to make an impact in diverse educational settings.

Our staff are committed to innovation, inclusion, and excellence; engaging learners with cutting-edge research, sector-leading practice, and a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. We are proud to work with schools, colleges, training providers, and employers across the region and beyond, ensuring that our teaching is grounded in the needs of society and industry.

Whether through developing the next generation of teachers, enhancing workforce skills, or advancing educational research, the Institute of Education and Skills plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of education.

About University of Derby Buxton

University of Derby Buxton is a vibrant and unique campus set in the heart of the Peak District, combining a rich history with a forward-looking approach to education. Based in the iconic Devonshire Dome, the Buxton campus is home to specialist programmes such as hospitality, culinary arts, events, tourism, and hair and beauty.

The campus is designed to provide students with hands-on, real-world learning experiences, supported by industry-standard facilities and strong links to local, national, and international employers. With its blend of practical training, academic expertise, and professional partnerships, Buxton offers an environment where students can develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in dynamic and competitive industries.

Set within the stunning natural landscape of Derbyshire, the campus also offers an inspiring backdrop for study and personal growth. At Buxton, students are encouraged to explore, innovate, and thrive, making it an exceptional place to learn and build a successful future.

University of Derby Buxton is rated ‘Good’ by OFSTED in all inspection areas, including teaching, learning & assessment, outcomes for learners, personal development, behaviour & welfare; and has a team of dedicated staff who take pride in supporting learners towards their study and career goals. This is a fantastic opportunity to join our team on our journey to becoming an outstanding provider. 

About the Hospitality and Culinary Team

Our Hospitality and Culinary team are based in the heart of the Devonshire Dome in Buxton - a world-class setting that reflects our commitment to excellence in service, food, and learning. Our facilities replicate real industry environments, giving apprentices the opportunity to learn in a space that prepares them for real-world demands.

We are a diverse and supportive team of chefs, hospitality professionals, and educators with backgrounds ranging from Michelin-starred kitchens to international hotel management. We pride ourselves on fostering a friendly, inclusive environment where staff and students work collaboratively and where every success is celebrated.

About the Role

As FE Lecturer in Catering and Hospitality, you’ll be part of a group of professionals helping shape the next generation of chefs. More than a teaching role, this is a chance to mentor, inspire, and pass on the craft and culture of the industry to apprentices as they begin or develop their careers.

You will deliver hands-on teaching and workshops in our fully equipped kitchens and hospitality suites, and support apprentices across programmes including Commis Chef, Production Chef  Apprentices to help them develop the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours aligned to their apprenticeship standards.

Our apprenticeships include: Level 2 Commis Chef; Commis Chef; Level 2 Hospitality Team Member; and Level 3 Hospitality Food & Beverage.

You will provide one-on-one mentoring and coaching, both in-person and via online platforms such as Smart Assessor. The role involves working closely with employers to ensure workplace training complements academic objectives, conducting workplace visits, tracking apprentice progress, holding regular reviews, and guiding learners confidently towards their end-point assessments.

On appointment, the job title for this role will be Chef Instructor Mentor.

About You

We're looking for an industry expert in Catering and Hospitality. This role is perfect for a professional with significant industrial or commercial experience within the Catering sector looking to pass on their skills and support the next generation.

You will need to demonstrate a proven ability to engage learners and support high-quality learning outcomes to empower our apprentices to grow in confidence, professionalism, and creativity.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement of 47 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)Teacher’s Pension SchemeSuite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance ProgrammeAccess to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailersDiscounted onsite gymCycle to Work schemeA flexible working environmentA commitment to personal and professional development

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Stephanie Traynor, Apprenticeship Operations Manager via [email protected].

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via [email protected].

Important Information

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Please visit our website for more information.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and is therefore subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.

To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.

Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here.

Closing Date: 04 Feb 2026

Area: Teaching and Research

Salary: £33,002 to £44,746 per annum