Chef de Partie – Casual

Bloxham School is seeking an enthusiastic and talented Chef de Partie to join our Catering Department on a casual, zero-hours contract. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced chef who takes pride in producing high-quality food and enjoys working as part of a small, dedicated team in a busy, high-volume kitchen. You will take responsibility for a designated section of the kitchen, ensuring that dishes are prepared and presented to consistently high standards. We are looking for someone with a genuine passion for culinary excellence, who can work confidently in a fast-paced environment and contribute positively to the wider catering team.

Working Arrangements: Casual, zero-hours contract. Hours will be offered as required, depending on the needs of the Catering Department. Start Date: As soon as possible.

About the Role: Reporting to the Head Chef, the Chef de Partie will be responsible for managing a specific section of the kitchen and supporting the smooth and efficient delivery of the catering service. Key responsibilities will include:

• Taking charge of a designated kitchen section, ensuring all dishes are prepared and presented to the highest standards of quality, consistency and taste.
• Preparing and cooking food efficiently and accurately, following recipes and established guidelines.
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organisation within your section.
• Working closely with other chefs and kitchen staff to support effective kitchen operations.
• Monitoring the quality of ingredients and finished dishes, addressing any concerns promptly.
• Assisting with inventory control, including receiving deliveries, storing ingredients correctly, minimising waste and supporting stock checks and ordering.
• Preparing ingredients and setting up your station ahead of service, ensuring equipment is clean, functional and ready for use.
• Supporting the delivery of service, ensuring dishes are plated and presented in line with departmental standards.

About the Catering Department: The Catering Department at Bloxham School is dedicated to providing freshly cooked meals that nourish and energise our students and staff. The team aims to create a welcoming dining experience that supports the health and wellbeing of the whole school community. Emphasising quality and freshness, the department prepares a diverse and balanced menu that caters for a range of dietary needs and preferences. Alongside the daily catering provision, the team also delivers excellent food and service for special events and school functions.

About You: We are looking for an experienced chef with strong culinary skills, a keen eye for detail and the ability to perform effectively in a busy kitchen environment. Educated to GCSE level or equivalent. A minimum of two years’ experience in a similar role within a high-volume kitchen. Proven experience working in a fast‑paced environment, with the ability to cater for large numbers of covers. Knowledge of food safety standards and good hygiene practices. Strong culinary skills and attention to detail. The ability to work under pressure, remain calm and consistently deliver high-quality dishes. A positive attitude and the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Excellent communication skills and a passion for the culinary arts. Culinary qualifications or equivalent professional training.

You will be a positive and reliable team player who takes pride in your work, communicates well with colleagues and is committed to maintaining high standards. You will enjoy working collaboratively and bring enthusiasm and a genuine passion for food to the role. Bloxham School is a vibrant independent school community where the quality of our catering provision contributes to the daily experience and wellbeing of students and staff. Joining our Catering Department means becoming part of a supportive team, playing an important role in school life and helping to deliver an excellent service to our community.

Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The safeguarding responsibilities of the post include promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact. The post holder will be required to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy at all times. If, in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School, s/he must report any concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.