At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a section of our fresh food kitchen and create dishes inspired by Derbyshire heritage.
- Company: Museum of Making, celebrating Derby's rich history of innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, excellent work/life balance, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities to cater for exciting events and grow your culinary skills.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make an impact in a vibrant café and events venue.
- Qualifications: Experience in a fresh food kitchen and a passion for learning new recipes.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Salary: an hour
Location: Derby Museums
Hours: As and When Required
Contract type: Casual Contract
The Museum of Making has completed a five-year programme on the site of the world’s first factory. Celebrating the area’s rich history of innovation, the Museum of Making is a contemporary space telling Derby’s 300-year history of making to inspire new creativity. A variety of galleries and exclusive events spaces as well as a bustling fresh-food café are available to create a high standard, expectation-exceeding guest experience, so we need a talented kitchen brigade to help make that happen!
We are seeking an enthusiastic and passionate Chef De Partie to join our brigade of chefs, based at the Museum of Making. As a Chef De Partie, you will be entrusted to manage a section of our fresh food kitchen, working with high quality and locally sourced produce to create dishes inspired by our Derbyshire heritage within a busy fresh-food café / restaurant.
As well as operating as a café, we also host events alongside during the day, so our kitchen caters buffets for any numbers from 10-200 people, and we aim to never stop café service alongside. We operate as a busy café and corporate venue by day and transform to a unique events venue by night, hosting gala dinners, awards ceremonies, weddings and special events from small groups to large numbers of 120+ guests, and our diary is forever growing with new enquiries!
Specific duties will include anything from collecting and preparing fresh fish from our local market, helping to manage and organise stock, rotating from different sections around the kitchen and managing a specific area during a busy café and corporate service.
Derby Museums is registered with The Hospitality Charter, meaning we share a passion for breaking the stigma on Hospitality not being an amazing place to work, we strive to offer an excellent work/ life balance and believe in working fair hours for all.
The Person
You will have a very strong eye for detail and a good understanding of what it takes to balance and prioritise multiple responsibilities in a busy kitchen and events venue. Our chefs need to be organised and well structured. You must have experience of working in a fresh food kitchen at any level, and a passion for learning new recipes and experimenting with new ideas. You will also be a good team player who enjoys the pressures of a busy workplace.
We love to develop our team, so we will offer you all compliance training as standard and we are happy to discuss development in any areas of the kitchen. 2 years’ experience as a Commis Chef or Junior CDP is preferable, but not essential. We believe that diversity and equality within our workplace, programmes and in our outlook is crucial.
Chef De Partie (Casual) employer: Derby City Council
Derby City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and professional growth. As a Tractor Driver/Gardener, you will benefit from a generous annual leave package, a local government pension scheme, and access to exclusive discounts through Team Derby Rewards, making it a rewarding place to build your career in grounds maintenance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef De Partie (Casual)
✨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 Derby City Council. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Derby City Council
Don't be shy about reaching out to Derby City Council 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 (Casual)
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 Derby City Council 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 Derby City Council
✨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!
