At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious meals while leading the kitchen team and ensuring high standards.
- Company: Join a community-focused team in Wootton, dedicated to exceptional food service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, 28 days leave, health care, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Experience creative freedom, early finishes, and a supportive environment that values your input.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, strong communication skills, and a willingness to learn are essential.
- Other info: No experience? We provide training on your first day!
The predicted salary is between 17708 - 17708 £ per year.
Location: Wootton, Bedford
Salary: £17,708.10 (Actual annual salary - based on 24 hours per week)
Type: Permanent
Hours: Part time – 24 hours per week. 08:00 – 14:00 across 4 days to include Saturday and Sunday.
Enjoy your passion for food with a better work-life balance, creative freedom, and real responsibility. Are you a talented chef looking for a role that lets you do what you love—without sacrificing your evenings? Join our team at Wootton as a Chef de Partie and enjoy more sociable working hours in a supportive, community-focused environment.
Why This Role Stands Out
- Work every weekend, with your other two working days flexibly rota’d each week.
- Enjoy early finishes—we’re usually out by around 2:00 PM at Wootton, giving you your afternoons and evenings back.
- Have creative input into menu planning, helping shape a varied, seasonal, and resident-focused food offering.
- Opportunity to take on responsibility, running the kitchen in the absence of the Head Chef—including during holidays and days off.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Preparing and serving high-quality, nutritious meals to residents, guests, and visitors.
- Supporting the Catering Manager with kitchen operations, stock control, and budgeting.
- Leading the kitchen team when needed to ensure smooth, uninterrupted service.
- Maintaining high standards of food safety, hygiene, and customer satisfaction.
- Engaging with residents to gather feedback and continuously improve our food offering.
- Having a say in menu development, with a focus on variety, dietary needs, and seasonal ingredients.
What We’re Looking For
- A passion for food and delivering exceptional service.
- Strong communication skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Knowledge of catering equipment and food safety legislation.
Qualifications
- A Level 2 or 3 Food Hygiene Certificate would be great—but don’t worry if you don’t have one yet. We can provide the relevant training on your first day if required.
Desirable:
- NVQ in Kitchen Larder and Pastry (or equivalent) – showcasing your culinary technique.
- Advanced Food Hygiene Certificate – demonstrating your commitment to food safety.
- Experience in retirement living or extra care schemes.
- Event and function catering experience.
Employee Benefits
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Retail Discounts
- 28 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Private Health Care
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Generous Pension Scheme
- Christmas Savings Club
Our Values
We’re proud of the work we do and the difference we make. Our values—integrity, customer focus, pride, and collaboration—guide everything we do. You’ll be part of a team that values your contribution and helps you grow.
Please note that applications will be reviewed as received and bpha reserves the right to close applications early upon identification of a suitable candidate. Apply early to avoid disappointment! All offers will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment screening, including DBS check and references.
Locations
Chef De Partie employer: BPHA
Contact Detail:
BPHA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef De Partie
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific culinary style and menu offerings at Wootton. Understanding their focus on seasonal ingredients and resident preferences will help you demonstrate your alignment with their values during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in leading a kitchen team, especially in a supportive environment. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen operations or taken on additional responsibilities in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for food and exceptional service by preparing a few ideas for menu items that reflect your creativity. This can set you apart and demonstrate your proactive approach to menu development.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the community aspect of the role. Be prepared to discuss how you would gather feedback from residents and incorporate it into your cooking, showing that you value their input and are committed to enhancing their dining experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef De Partie
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the kitchen, particularly any roles where you've had creative input or led a team. Emphasise your passion for food and customer service.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the Chef de Partie role at Wootton. Mention how the sociable hours and community-focused environment align with your career goals and personal values.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications: If you have a Level 2 or 3 Food Hygiene Certificate or any culinary qualifications, be sure to mention these. If you don’t have them yet, express your willingness to complete training as needed.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Since the role involves running the kitchen in the absence of the Head Chef, include any past experiences where you've taken on leadership responsibilities. This will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at BPHA
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your love for cooking and food during the interview. Share specific examples of dishes you enjoy preparing and how you stay updated with culinary trends. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
As a Chef de Partie, you'll be part of a kitchen team. Be prepared to discuss your experience working collaboratively in a kitchen environment. Mention any instances where you led a team or supported colleagues to ensure smooth service.
✨Discuss Menu Development Ideas
Since this role involves creative input into menu planning, come prepared with ideas for seasonal dishes or dietary considerations. This shows that you're proactive and ready to contribute to the kitchen's offerings.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Knowledge of food safety is crucial in this role. Be ready to talk about your understanding of hygiene standards and any relevant certifications you have. If you don't have a certificate yet, express your willingness to learn and comply with food safety regulations.