At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare fresh, nutritious meals for pupils and staff in a school environment.
- Company: Join a supportive catering team in Southampton schools.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, daytime hours, and excellent work-life balance.
- Other info: Ongoing opportunities across multiple schools with career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference to students while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef de Partie and a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate required.
Are you a passionate Chef de Partie looking for a role with an excellent work-life balance? Join our catering team supporting schools across Southampton and help prepare fresh, nutritious meals for pupils and staff. Working in a school environment offers the opportunity to showcase your culinary skills while enjoying sociable daytime hours and being part of a friendly, supportive team. You'll work alongside experienced catering professionals, ensuring high-quality food is prepared and served to the highest standards. With multiple school locations available across Southampton, you can choose the site that best suits you. We're ideally looking for someone who can commit to working on an ongoing basis from 2nd September until further notice.
Shift Information
- Start date: 2nd September
- Monday to Friday shifts only
- Working hours: 8:00am - 2:00pm
- Ongoing work available until further notice
- Multiple school locations across Southampton – choose the site that works best for you
- Ideally suited to candidates looking for regular weekday work
What You'll Be Doing
- Preparing and cooking fresh, high-quality meals for pupils and staff
- Supporting the Head Chef with the day-to-day running of the kitchen
- Assisting with menu preparation and food production
- Ensuring food is prepared and presented to a consistently high standard
- Managing food stock, rotation and storage
- Maintaining excellent food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness
- Following Food Safety, Health & Safety, COSHH and allergen procedures at all times
- Supporting and mentoring Kitchen Assistants and Catering Assistants where required
- Working efficiently as part of a busy and professional catering team
What We Offer
- Enhanced DBS certificate provided where required
- Competitive pay
- Monday to Friday daytime shifts with an excellent work-life balance
- Ongoing opportunities across multiple schools in Southampton
- Development and career progression opportunities
- Opportunity to work at over 5,000 Compass venues across the UK
- Compass Exclusive Benefits
- Lifestyle Benefits "Perks" Platform
- Health & Wellbeing Support Programme, including access to our Employee Assistance Programme
What We're Looking For
- An experienced Chef de Partie or equivalent level chef
- Passion for producing fresh, nutritious food
- Ability to work efficiently in a busy kitchen environment
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- A positive, team-focused attitude
- Strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards
- Reliable, professional and committed to delivering excellent food quality
Uniform & Qualifications
Please arrive for your shift with:
- Your own chef whites
- Black non-slip safety shoes
In addition:
- Previous experience as a Chef de Partie or in a similar chef position is essential.
- A Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate is essential.
- As these roles are based within educational settings, an Enhanced DBS Check is required.
If you already hold a valid Enhanced DBS certificate, please let your recruiter know. If not, we'll support you through the application process and arrange one for you.
Why Join Us?
Working as a Chef de Partie in our Southampton schools offers the opportunity to develop your culinary career while enjoying sociable daytime hours and weekends off. You'll become part of a supportive team, preparing fresh, nutritious meals that make a real difference to pupils every day. With competitive pay, ongoing work, excellent employee benefits and opportunities to work across thousands of Compass venues nationwide, this is a fantastic opportunity to grow your career with us. We'll be in touch as soon as possible and, if successful, you could be working in one of our Southampton schools from 2nd September.
Chef de Partie | Schools & Education | Weekdays | SOUTHAMPTON [DBS Required] employer: Chartwells Independent
Join Constellation at Molineux Stadium, where we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and supportive work environment for our Kitchen Porters. With flexible matchday roles, you'll have the chance to be part of thrilling events while enjoying opportunities for personal growth and development within the Levy UK family. Our commitment to high standards and teamwork ensures that every employee feels valued and integral to our success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef de Partie | Schools & Education | Weekdays | SOUTHAMPTON [DBS Required]
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Chartwells Independent. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Chartwells Independent
Don't be shy about reaching out to Chartwells Independent directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef de Partie | Schools & Education | Weekdays | SOUTHAMPTON [DBS Required]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Chartwells Independent and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
