At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team and create delicious dishes at our poolside café.
- Company: Join the friendly team at Center Parcs, known for its supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy free leisure access, discounts, bonuses, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with a focus on teamwork and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a splash in your career while serving up great food and experiences.
- Qualifications: Previous kitchen experience and excellent communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 31000 £ per year.
Canopy Café and Bar is a poolside stop for food and drinks in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. Serve up the flavour that turns a good break into a great one. Join our Canopy Café and Bar team as a Kitchen Team Leader / Chef de Partie, where you'll play a key role in delivering high-quality dishes and ensuring smooth kitchen operations. You'll lead and develop junior staff, maintain standards and support management in driving efficiency.
What you'll be doing:
- Oversee daily food preparation and presentation to company standards
- Coach and mentor junior colleagues to support their growth
- Act as deputy for the Assistant Kitchen Manager when required
- Monitor stock, portion control and ordering to manage costs effectively
- Implement measures to reduce food waste and maintain operational efficiency
What's in it for you:
- Free day passes and access to leisure facilities (including the spa)
- Discounts on breaks and in our shops and restaurants
- Bonus scheme and recognition rewards
- A supportive, friendly team
- Career development and in-role training
Your working hours:
Full-time. You will be contracted to work a guaranteed minimum of 160 over a 4-week period. You may be asked to work additional hours in line with operational requirements. Shifts will fall between 10am and 8:30pm and will include working weekends. You will be required to be fully flexible across 7 days.
About you:
- Excellent communicator with ability to build relationships with colleagues
- Previous kitchen experience in a similar position
- Naturally cheerful, patient and friendly
- Professional, approachable and calm under pressure
Our values:
Each colleague at Center Parcs is involved in building better worlds for our guests, colleagues, communities and our environment. Contributing to our purpose means living out our values: We care, we're brave, we're determined and we're naturally us.
Sound like your kind of job? Apply online today — interviews are ongoing.
Working here:
Check your route before applying — Elveden Forest (IP24 3TR), isn’t easily reached by public transport: Plan Your Journey.
Closing date: 17 June 2026. Please note this vacancy may close at any time once sufficient applications have been received. Early submission of your application is therefore encouraged.
We recognise that we are committed to building a culture that champions diversity, equity and inclusion, where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want them to feel valued for their individuality and belonging. We place a lot of value on recruiting based on behaviours.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer; please let us know if you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process.
Kitchen Team Leader / Chef de Partie - Pool Bar employer: Center Parcs group
At Center Parcs, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment where every team member is valued. As a Kitchen Team Leader / Chef de Partie at our Elveden Forest location, you'll enjoy competitive pay, career development opportunities, and unique perks like free leisure access and discounts, all while contributing to a culture that champions diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Team Leader / Chef de Partie - Pool Bar
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out their social media and website. This will help you understand their values and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your kitchen experience and how you can lead a team.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If possible, bring along a portfolio of your previous work or even a dish you've prepared. This can really impress the hiring team and give them a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Team Leader / Chef de Partie - Pool Bar
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking and food shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your culinary skills and how you can bring flavour to our Canopy Café and Bar.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Kitchen Team Leader, you'll be guiding junior staff. Make sure to mention any previous experience where you've coached or mentored others. We want to see how you can help our team grow!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experience and skills. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you're a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Center Parcs group
✨Know Your Dishes
Familiarise yourself with the menu and the types of dishes served at the Canopy Café and Bar. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes, how you would prepare them, and any creative twists you might add. This shows your passion for food and your understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Kitchen Team Leader, you'll be mentoring junior staff. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about specific situations where you coached someone or improved kitchen operations, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Style
Effective communication is key in a busy kitchen. Practice explaining complex cooking techniques or processes in simple terms. During the interview, highlight your ability to build relationships with colleagues and how you maintain a positive atmosphere under pressure.
✨Understand Cost Management
Be prepared to discuss how you manage stock, portion control, and ordering. Think of examples where you've successfully reduced food waste or improved efficiency in previous roles. This will show that you understand the business side of running a kitchen, which is crucial for this position.
