Hotel Chef de Partie in Suffolk

Job Description: Chef de Partie Job Title: Chef de Partie Department: Kitchen / Food and Beverage Reports To: Sous Chef / Head Chef Job Type: Full-time / Part-time, as required 1. Job Overview The Chef de Partie is responsible for managing and operating a designated section of the kitchen, ensuring the preparation, cooking, and presentation of food meet the highest standards of quality, consistency, and hygiene. Working under the direction of the Sous Chef and Head Chef, the Chef de Partie oversees daily section operations, supervises junior kitchen staff where applicable, maintains stock levels, and ensures all dishes are prepared and served efficiently. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong culinary skills, excellent organisation, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, professional kitchen environment. 2. Key Responsibilities A. Food Preparation and Cooking Prepare, cook, and present dishes according to established recipes and the Head Chef's specifications. Take responsibility for the daily operation of an assigned kitchen section, such as hot kitchen, cold kitchen, pastry, grill, sauce, or larder. Ensure food is prepared to the required standards of taste, texture, temperature, portion size, and presentation. Maintain consistency across all dishes during service. Prepare ingredients and complete mise en place before service begins. Follow preparation lists, production schedules, and service requirements. Ensure all dishes are delivered on time and meet the establishment's quality standards. Assist with menu development, seasonal specials, and recipe testing when required. Accommodate dietary requirements and food allergies in accordance with established procedures. B. Kitchen Section Management Organise and maintain the assigned kitchen section to ensure efficient workflow. Ensure all ingredients, equipment, utensils, and workstations are ready for service. Coordinate with the Sous Chef, Head Chef, and other sections to maintain smooth kitchen operations. Monitor service requirements and communicate shortages or delays promptly. Supervise Commis Chefs and kitchen assistants assigned to the section. Provide guidance and support to junior team members. Maintain discipline, teamwork, and professional standards within the kitchen. Ensure the section is cleaned, organised, and properly closed at the end of each shift. C. Food Hygiene and Safety Follow all applicable food safety legislation, hygiene procedures, and company policies. Ensure food is stored, handled, prepared, cooked, cooled, and reheated safely. Maintain correct food temperature records where required. Prevent cross-contamination and follow allergen management procedures. Ensure ingredients are labelled, dated, and stored correctly. Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and wear the required uniform and protective clothing. Keep preparation areas, equipment, and storage facilities clean and sanitised. Report food safety concerns, equipment faults, accidents, and hazards to the appropriate manager. D. Stock Control and Cost Management Monitor stock levels and communicate ordering requirements to the Sous Chef or Head Chef. Check the quality, freshness, and quantity of ingredients received. Store deliveries correctly and follow stock rotation procedures, including FIFO (First In, First Out). Maintain accurate portion sizes and follow standard recipes. Minimise food waste through effective preparation and ingredient management. Report damaged, spoiled, or unsuitable ingredients. Assist with stocktaking and maintain appropriate records. Use ingredients, equipment, and kitchen resources efficiently to support food cost targets. E. Menu Standards and Quality Control Follow approved recipes, specifications, and plating guidelines. Check the quality and presentation of dishes before they leave the kitchen. Ensure ingredients meet the required freshness and quality standards. Maintain consistency in flavour, portioning, and presentation. Assist with testing new dishes and improving existing recipes. Communicate menu changes, unavailable ingredients, and special requests to the relevant team members. F. Events, Weddings and Banqueting Prepare and cook food for weddings, banquets, conferences, private functions, and special events. Complete preparation according to event orders, guest numbers, and service schedules. Coordinate with other kitchen sections to ensure timely and consistent food production. Assist with buffet preparation, plated service, and large-scale catering. Maintain quality and presentation standards during high-volume service. Adapt to changes in guest numbers, menus, and event timings as directed by the senior kitchen team. G. Equipment and Kitchen Maintenance Ensure all equipment and utensils within the assigned section are clean and properly maintained. Use kitchen machinery and equipment safely and correctly. Report maintenance requirements and equipment faults promptly. Follow opening, closing, and cleaning schedules. Ensure the kitchen section is organised and ready for the next service. 3. Qualifications and Experience Previous experience as a Chef de Partie or experienced Commis Chef in a professional kitchen. A culinary qualification or professional chef training is desirable. Knowledge of professional cooking techniques and food preparation methods. Experience managing a kitchen section during service. Understanding of food hygiene, allergen management, and health and safety procedures. Experience in hotels, fine dining, banqueting, or event catering is an advantage. 4. Skills and Competencies Strong culinary and food presentation skills. Excellent organisational and time-management abilities. Attention to detail and commitment to consistent food quality. Ability to manage a kitchen section independently. Good communication and teamwork skills. Ability to work under pressure during busy service periods. Knowledge of stock rotation, portion control, and food waste reduction. Professional attitude, reliability, and willingness to learn. Ability to follow instructions and maintain established kitchen standards. Flexibility to work shifts, evenings, weekends, and public holidays when required. 5. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Performance may be assessed through: Quality, taste, and presentation of dishes. Consistency and accuracy of food preparation. Timely delivery of orders during service. Compliance with food hygiene and safety standards. Effective management and organisation of the assigned section. Food cost awareness, portion control, and waste reduction. Stock accuracy and ingredient handling. Teamwork and support for junior kitchen staff. Guest satisfaction and feedback. 6. Working Conditions The role is based in a professional kitchen and involves prolonged standing, working with hot surfaces and equipment, handling sharp utensils, and operating in a fast-paced environment. Shift work, evenings, weekends, public holidays, and additional hours during major events may be required. 7. Job Purpose Statement To manage an assigned kitchen section efficiently and professionally, delivering high-quality, consistent, and well-presented dishes while maintaining excellent hygiene standards, controlling food waste, supporting junior team members, and contributing to the overall success of the kitchen operation. The Chef de Partie plays an essential role in ensuring that every dish meets the establishment's culinary standards and that daily service and special events are delivered smoothly and efficiently. TPBN1_UKTJ