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- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, prepare and present delicious dishes to high standards.
- Company: Join Center Parcs, a vibrant family-friendly environment with diverse dining options.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, discounts, and access to leisure facilities.
- Why this job: Be part of a fun team, develop your culinary skills, and make guests smile.
- Qualifications: Previous kitchen experience and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible hours, great career progression, and a supportive work culture.
Join to apply for the Kitchen Team Leader / Chef de Partie role at Center Parcs UK & Ireland. A range of quality own‑brand and high‑street restaurants and cafés combined with great food, family‑friendly menus and excellent service make up our Food and Beverage department. Around each village, this department employs about 350 team members across nine different restaurants, cafés, bars and a production kitchen, plus five concessionary units such as Bella Italia and Café Rouge.
This role is based at Center Parcs Whinfell Forest. All colleagues working in the following restaurants – Rajinda Pradesh, Huck's American Bar and Grill, The Pancake House, Sports Café, The Lakeside Inn, Foresters' Inn and Vitalé Café Bar – benefit from the discretionary service charge that we add to bills, allowing guests to reward excellent service.
The Kitchen Team Leader (Chef de Partie) will be responsible for preparing, cooking and presenting food to agreed company standards. You will provide general supervision and coaching to all junior staff, ensuring their personal development, and deputise for the Assistant Kitchen Manager in their absence. Additional responsibilities include managing the cost of sales for your unit through effective use of the company ordering system, stock and portion control, and minimising food waste.
Hours of Work
Working straight shifts, you will be contracted to work 150 hours per 4‑week period on a flexible basis. Shifts will fall between 08:00 and 23:00, and will include weekends, public and bank holidays, as well as rota work on Christmas and New Year. The village is open 365 days a year.
Experience, Skills & Qualifications
- Essential requirements:
- Ability to build relationships with colleagues
- Previous kitchen experience in a similar position
- Excellent communicator
- Naturally cheerful, patient and friendly
- Professional, approachable and calm under pressure
- Experience of ordering and stock control
About The Benefits
- 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: 12th November 2025. 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. 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 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 Team Leader / Chef de Partie
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, check out Center Parcs' values and what they stand for. This will help you connect your experience with their mission 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 mate or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your previous kitchen experience aligns with the role of Kitchen Team Leader, especially around coaching and managing junior staff.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! Being cheerful and friendly is key in this role, so let your natural charm shine through during the interview. Remember, they want to see how well you’ll fit into their team culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the team dynamics or the kitchen operations. This shows you're engaged and serious about the position. And hey, apply through our website for a smoother process!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Team Leader / Chef de Partie
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 enjoy creating memorable dining experiences.
Highlight Teamwork Skills: As a Kitchen Team Leader, you'll be working closely with others. Make sure to mention any past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with a team or mentored junior staff. We want to see how you can build relationships in the kitchen!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you're the right fit for the role.
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 Kitchen Team Leader position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Center Parcs UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the menu items and special dishes offered at Center Parcs. Being able to discuss the ingredients, preparation methods, and presentation styles will show your passion for food and your readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Kitchen Team Leader, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and coach junior staff. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team in the past, highlighting your communication skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.
✨Understand Cost Control
Brush up on your knowledge of stock control and cost management. Be ready to discuss how you’ve previously managed food costs and minimised waste, as this is crucial for the role. Showing that you can balance quality with cost-effectiveness will impress the interviewers.
✨Be Personable and Approachable
Since building relationships with colleagues is essential, practice being friendly and approachable during the interview. Share anecdotes that reflect your cheerful nature and patience, as these traits are highly valued in a busy kitchen environment.