At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team and create delicious dishes for our guests.
- Company: Join the friendly team at Center Parcs, where everyone is valued.
- Benefits: Enjoy free leisure access, discounts, bonuses, and career development.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for growth in a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fun environment while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Previous kitchen experience and excellent communication skills are essential.
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. These 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.
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 Team Leader / Chef de Partie - Pool Bar employer: Center Parcs UK & Ireland
At Center Parcs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where every team member is valued and supported. As a Kitchen Team Leader / Chef de Partie at our Elveden Forest location, you'll enjoy competitive pay, free access to leisure facilities, and numerous career development opportunities, all while working in a friendly environment that champions diversity and inclusion. Join us in creating memorable experiences for our guests while growing your skills and making lasting connections with your colleagues.
Contact Details:
Center Parcs UK & Ireland Recruitment Team
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 inspire and develop a great team!
Be Yourself:We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. Let us know what makes you unique and how you embody our values of being brave, caring, and naturally you!
Apply Early!:Our closing date is 17 June 2026, but we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. The sooner you submit your application through our website, the better your chances of joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Center Parcs UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the dishes served at the Canopy Café and Bar. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would prepare them. This shows your passion for food and helps you connect with the interviewers.
✨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, highlighting your coaching style and how you handle challenges in the kitchen.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in a busy kitchen. Think of instances where you've built strong relationships with colleagues or resolved conflicts. Be ready to share these stories to showcase your ability to work well under pressure.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Sustainability
With a focus on reducing food waste and managing costs, be prepared to discuss any initiatives you've implemented in previous roles. Show that you understand the importance of sustainability in the kitchen and how you can contribute to operational efficiency.
