At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Kitchen Assistant / Commis Chef, preparing and presenting delicious food.
- Company: Center Parcs offers a vibrant dining experience with diverse restaurants and a focus on excellent service.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like a bonus scheme, discounted breaks, and access to leisure facilities.
- Why this job: This role provides hands-on experience in a fun environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Qualifications: No prior kitchen experience needed; just bring your enthusiasm and teamwork spirit!
- Other info: Flexible hours with a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion.
A range of quality own-brand and high street restaurants and cafés, mixed with great food, family-friendly menus, and a generous sprinkling of excellent service. That’s the recipe for success in our Food and Beverage department. Around each village, the Food and Beverage department employs around 350 team members across nine different restaurants, cafés, and bars, as well as a production kitchen. There’s also a further five concessionary units including well-known brands such as Bella Italia and Café Rouge. From American grills to authentic Indian cuisine, or for those wanting a relaxing drink after a busy day, there’s something to suit all appetites at Center Parcs.
We are looking for a Kitchen Assistant / Commis Chef to join our friendly team. In this role, you will have the chance to learn and progress from the ground floor up, helping with the preparation, cooking and presentation of food. Working to the highest standards and in an environment that combines popular menus and quality food with the very best in service.
The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team and the desire to learn and develop. Previous experience within a kitchen environment would be desirable but not essential as full training will be provided.
Please note that to apply for a role with us, you must be able to reliably commute to Center Parcs Whinfell Forest (CA10 2DW) as it is not easily accessible by public transport.
HOURS OF WORK
Working straight shifts, you will be contracted to work 150 hours per 4-week period on a flexible basis - shift times fall between 8am - 12am usually 8 hour straight shifts. This means that your days and hours of work could vary each week, but you will always receive at least your contracted hours each period. As our village is open 365 days of the year, your working hours will include public / bank holidays and during Christmas and / or New Year on a rota basis.
Essential Requirements
- Ability to build relationships with colleagues
- Naturally cheerful and friendly
Desirable Requirements
- Kitchen Porter or Chef experience
About The Benefits
Center Parcs is a fantastic place to work, and the benefits are as impressive as they are unique. Here are just a few:
- Colleague Bonus Scheme
- Pension Scheme with Life Assurance
- Colleague Recognition and Reward Scheme – offering a choice of Center Parcs and High Street vouchers
- Free use of our leisure facilities
- Discounted Center Parcs breaks
- 20% discount in our restaurant and retail outlets
- Access to Perks at Work Portal - offering a wide range of retail and leisure discounts
- An Employee Assistance Program - providing support on financial, health and legal matters
- Excellent opportunities for career development and progression with the opportunity to gain externally recognised qualifications
If this sounds like your ideal job, then we’d love to see your application. Closing date: 17th June 2025 at 12 Noon. Interviews to be held: Ongoing. Please note this vacancy may close at any time once sufficient applications have been received. Early submission of your application is therefore encouraged.
At Center Parcs, everyone’s welcome. We recognise that we’re all at our best when we’re being ourselves. 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, thrive in our business and share a sense of belonging. We place a lot of value on recruiting based on behaviours rather than prioritising qualifications or experience. 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 Assistant / Commis Chef employer: Center Parcs UK & Ireland
Contact Detail:
Center Parcs UK & Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Assistant / Commis Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the different restaurants and cuisines offered at Center Parcs. Understanding the menu items and the type of service provided can help you engage in meaningful conversations during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your enthusiasm for teamwork and learning. Since the role requires working closely with others, demonstrating your ability to collaborate and your eagerness to develop your skills will make you a standout candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
If you have any previous experience in a kitchen or customer service environment, be ready to discuss specific examples of how you contributed to a positive team dynamic or enhanced guest experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Plan your commute to Center Parcs Whinfell Forest ahead of time. Being able to confidently discuss your travel arrangements during the interview shows that you are serious about the position and can reliably get to work.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Assistant / Commis Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience, even if it's informal. Emphasise your ability to work in a team and your eagerness to learn, as these are key traits for the Kitchen Assistant / Commis Chef role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Mention specific reasons why you want to work at Center Parcs and how you align with their values of teamwork and service excellence.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Even if you lack formal kitchen experience, highlight transferable skills such as communication, organisation, and a positive attitude. If you've worked in customer service or hospitality, be sure to mention that.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial in the food and beverage industry.
How to prepare for a job interview at Center Parcs UK & Ireland
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Express your enthusiasm for cooking and food preparation during the interview. Share any personal experiences or favourite dishes you enjoy making, as this will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork Skills
Since the role requires working closely with others, highlight your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively within a team. Provide examples of past experiences where you successfully worked as part of a group.
✨Be Prepared to Discuss Flexibility
Given the flexible hours and varying shifts, be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to different schedules. This shows that you are committed and can handle the demands of the job.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the kitchen environment, team dynamics, or opportunities for growth within the company. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.