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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and present high-quality meals in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Company: Join the John Lewis Partnership, known for quality food and exceptional service.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, annual bonuses, subsidized hotel stays, and flexible shift patterns.
- Why this job: Work with fresh produce, develop your culinary skills, and progress in your career.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications needed; training provided for all levels of chefs.
- Other info: Opportunities available across the UK, from city branches to beautiful hotels.
What will I do? As a Chef, you might be preparing fresh meals for both customers and Partners at one of our John Lewis & Partners and Waitrose & Partners branches or in our Partner Dining Rooms.
We also run kitchens in some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes at our exclusive Hotels and recruit Chefs for our Waitrose Cookery Schools. Here, you’ll entertain both customers and Partners and help them master everything from breadmaking to that perfect pastry.
These roles are all underpinned by the same values for providing great food cooked to the highest standards. No matter whether you’re cooking meals for customers, Partners, or aspiring chefs, your food will delight.
Wherever you’re based across the John Lewis Partnership, you’ll work with fresh and quality seasonal produce. Day to day tasks could include:
Preparing, cooking and presenting high quality meals in fast-paced environments
Maintaining a clean and tidy kitchen environment that is safe for food preparation
Avoiding food wastage through portion control, preparation and storage methods
Controlling and monitoring stock
Operating and cleaning cooking equipment
Putting together menus
Training and upskilling other Partners in the Catering team
The other internal and external stakeholders you’ll be in contact with include:
Line Managers
Leadership Teams
Maintenance
Group Food Hygiene & Safety Managers
Operations Managers
What do I need to be a Chef with the John Lewis Partnership? Alongside the on-the-job training you will receive from your colleagues and the day to day experience, we recognise that providing training and development programmes are key to progression. Whether you are a junior Chef or a highly seasoned cook, our team will help you to climb up the kitchen hierarchy.
As a Chef, you’ll find a clearly structured development pathway as you progress in your Catering career:
Head Chef: A Food Safety Level 3 qualification is required for this role.
Commis Chef: You will assist in the planning, production and delivery of the food on offer to customers and Partners.
Sous Chef: You will assist the Head Chef in planning, producing and delivering food.
Chef de Partie: You’ll assist the Head Chef and Sous Chef, as well as deputising in either of their absences.
What benefits will I enjoy in the role? As a Partner at John Lewis & Partners and Waitrose & Partners, you’ll be entitled to our industry leading benefits. Cooking with the John Lewis Partnership will pave the way for you to enjoy:
Our annual bonus
Discounts at both Waitrose & Partners and John Lewis & Partners
Subsidised stays at our exclusive Partnership hotels
Sports Clubs and Societies
Extended Leave
What shift patterns are available? Whether you’re looking for full-time or part-time Chef jobs, we have a range of shift patterns. This variety of working hours per week means our jobs cater to all types of lifestyles.
Some of our jobs offer you the chance to work weekends only, whilst others are available during weekday hours too. Please check job descriptions to find the specified hours for our roles.
Apply Now For Chef Job Opportunities With 50 John Lewis & Partners branches and over 348 Waitrose & Partners shops around the UK, we have a huge range of Chef vacancies available. So whether you’re looking for cooking jobs in London, the South West, the Midlands or Scotland, we may have a role for you. Search for a current Chef opportunity near you.
Chef Jobs At The John Lewis Partnership employer: John Lewis Partnership
Contact Detail:
John Lewis Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Jobs At The John Lewis Partnership
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the John Lewis Partnership's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to quality food and customer satisfaction will help you align your passion for cooking with their expectations during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have in fast-paced kitchen environments. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've maintained high standards while managing multiple tasks, as this is crucial for success in their dynamic settings.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your knowledge of seasonal produce and menu planning. Being able to discuss how you incorporate fresh ingredients into your cooking will demonstrate your commitment to quality and sustainability, which is important to the John Lewis Partnership.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to training and upskilling others. Since the role involves mentoring fellow Partners, sharing your experiences in teaching or guiding others in the kitchen will set you apart as a strong candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Jobs At The John Lewis Partnership
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Chef position at John Lewis Partnership. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize any previous experience in fast-paced kitchen environments, food preparation, and cooking. Mention specific skills like menu planning, portion control, and training others if applicable.
Showcase Your Passion for Food: Express your enthusiasm for cooking and working with fresh, seasonal produce. Share any personal experiences or achievements related to food that demonstrate your commitment to high-quality standards.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your cover letter to reflect why you want to work specifically for John Lewis Partnership. Mention their values and how they align with your own culinary philosophy and career goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis Partnership
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking techniques and experiences. Highlight any specific dishes you excel at, especially those that align with the values of providing great food cooked to the highest standards.
✨Emphasize Teamwork and Collaboration
As a Chef, you'll be working closely with other Partners. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a kitchen environment, whether it's training others or working under pressure during busy service times.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Food Safety
Understanding food hygiene and safety is crucial. Be ready to talk about your experience with food safety practices and any relevant qualifications, such as a Food Safety Level 3 certification.
✨Express Passion for Fresh Ingredients
The John Lewis Partnership values fresh and quality seasonal produce. Discuss your commitment to using fresh ingredients and any experiences you have with sourcing or preparing seasonal dishes.