At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist the kitchen team in food preparation and ensure high standards of food production.
- Company: Join the renowned Dorchester Collection, celebrated for its extraordinary guest experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy complimentary stays, discounts, pension contributions, and vibrant social events.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and opportunities for personal development await you!
- Why this job: Kickstart your culinary career in a dynamic environment with top industry professionals.
- Qualifications: Passion for cooking, teamwork skills, and a willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
Who we are
Our Hotels
We work with some of the most talented and unique individuals in our business, who always ensure the extraordinary guest experience of Dorchester Collection and the hotels within it. It is, after all, our people that bring our vision to life. As a member of our Dorchester Collection Family, we will support your development by nurturing your personality, creating a transparent culture of trust, collaboration and appreciation. Supported by our annual personal development planning, tailored learning opportunities and our Academy programs you will be a part of creating a bespoke experience. Treasured by guests. Cherished by employees. Celebrated worldwide.
Diversity and Inclusion at Dorchester Collection are core beliefs of our We Care philosophy. The basis of We Care is to create an environment where all of our employees feel valued and respected, allowing positive engagement to prosper. We continually strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusivity is part of our DNA, reflected by our core values of Passion, Personality, Respect, Working Together and Creativity.
If you need us to do anything to support you during the recruitment process, such as adjustments to how you apply, alternative formats of information, or adjustments to the assessment process itself, please email careers.dc@dorchestercollection.com so that we can discuss how we can support you through the process.
Position Overview
Join us as a Casual Commis Chef at CUT - 45 Park Lane Hotel, recently recognised as one of ‘The Sunday Times Top 10 Best Places to Work for’ in 2024-2026. We continually strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is part of our DNA, reflected in our values of passion, personality, respect, working together, and creativity. We believe that a variety of perspectives enriches our culture and drives our success. We care about your career and are proud to have the absolute best people in the industry. When you join us as a Casual Commis Chef at CUT - 45 Park Lane Hotel, you will have a unique opportunity to excel in your field. You will learn from your fellow Legends and our award-winning learning academy to achieve the highest standards in craft, service, and leadership.
What you'll get
- Complimentary Stays: Enjoy complimentary stays with breakfast at Dorchester Collection Hotels every year.
- Discounts: Get 50% off food and beverages at selected bars and restaurants within the Dorchester Collection; enjoy Friends & Family stay discounts at our hotels; benefit from discounts at various high street and online shops.
- Employee Perks: Enrol from day 1 into the Aviva Private Pension scheme (we contribute 8% towards your pension); benefit from Seasonal ticket loan, Rental deposit scheme, private financial advice, and Eye care vouchers.
- Training and Development: Advance in your career by accessing various apprenticeships from Level 2 to Hospitality Degree Level 5. We partner with outstanding nationally recognised Apprenticeship providers.
- Social Events: Participate in vibrant social events, including a summer party, winter ball, pub quizzes, and cultural and milestone recognition celebrations.
- Referral Bonus: Earn a £1000 bonus when you recommend a friend.
- Well-being Support: Access immediate well-being advice because we care about our employees.
What you'll do
As Casual Commis Chef, you will enjoy your work and take pride in delighting our guests: You will be responsible for assisting the kitchen team in their section to ensure the highest standards of food production. You will be responsible for participating in daily food preparations during your day. This will include portioning food products, utilising food surpluses to control food costs; and ensuring all food preparations meet outline recipes including portion size, quality and quantity all to ensure our guests receive nothing but the best experience. You will also show flexibility and creativity in dealing with special requests and challenges that may arise during the day. The items shared are the essence of a day in the life of a Casual Commis Chef, but we will make sure you are provided with specifics on how we care for our hotel. The operational hours of work are shift-based and may be subject to change. These shifts are currently set as: 6am-3pm, 7am-4pm, 2pm-11pm, 3pm-12am.
What you'll bring
Essential Skills and Experience
- Technical Skills
- Baking & Pastry Techniques - Understanding fundamental techniques like creaming, folding, and tempering chocolate.
- Knife & Precision Skills - Ability to cut, shape, and decorate pastries with accuracy.
- Ingredient Knowledge - Familiarity with flour types, dairy, and chocolate.
- Piping & Decoration - Basic proficiency in using piping bags for frosting, chocolate work, and garnishing.
- Plating & Presentation - Understanding how to create visually appealing plated desserts.
- Kitchen Experience
- Previous Training - culinary degree or diploma in pastry arts is beneficial but not required.
- Work Experience - Internships or experience in a bakery, hotel, or restaurant pastry section is beneficial but not required.
- Preferred Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Time Management
- Teamwork
- Creativity
- Adaptability
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. If you need us to do anything to support you during the recruitment process (such as adjustments to how you apply, alternative formats of information, or adjustments to the assessment process itself), please do call the People & Culture team on 02073197011 or email PeopleAndCultureLondon.UK@dorchestercollection.com so that we can discuss how we can support you through this process.
Job Location: United Kingdom, 45 Park Lane, W1K 1PN, Mayfair.
CUT - Casual Commis Chef employer: DORCHESTER COLLECTION
At Dorchester Collection, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer in the luxury hospitality sector, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities to lead innovative digital initiatives, all set against the backdrop of our prestigious locations. Join us to be part of a team that values excellence and empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the world of luxury hospitality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CUT - Casual Commis Chef
✨Get in Early: Embrace the Seasonal Rush
In hospitality, seasonal hiring can be a bit of a frenzy, so make sure you’re applying early. Keep an eye on when local businesses like cafés and restaurants ramp up for holiday seasons or summer rushes. We can help you stay ahead by tracking application windows—don’t miss out!
✨Join Local Hospitality Groups
Tap into local hospitality communities online or through social media. Groups on Facebook or platforms like MeetUp can be goldmines for seasonal job opportunities. Engage with these communities—join discussions, share your eagerness, and you could snag a gig before it’s even advertised!
✨Show Your Face: Walk-Ins Matter
In hospitality, nothing beats a good ol' walk-in. Visit local establishments and introduce yourself. Bring along a flashy CV and maybe even drop a line about why you’re keen to work there. Sometimes just chatting with the manager can score you an interview on the spot!
✨Use Seasonal Hiring Platforms
Look for platforms that specialise in seasonal positions in the hospitality sector. Websites dedicated to summer jobs or Festival employment can offer unique roles that align with your interests. Don't forget to apply through our website too—companies like DORCHESTER COLLECTION are constantly looking for enthusiastic seasonal workers like you!
We think you need these skills to ace CUT - Casual Commis Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service game, your customer service skills are your bread and butter. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you have in restaurants, cafés, or similar environments, emphasizing your ability to handle busy situations and provide excellent service.
Seasonal Availability is Key:Since this is a seasonal role, we're looking for candidates who are flexible with their availability. In your cover letter, mention specific times you’re available during the season and any previous seasonal positions you’ve held. This helps us see you as a perfect fit for this temporary gig!
Culinary Knowledge Can Set You Apart:If you have any culinary certifications or training, be sure to feature them prominently in your application. Knowing your way around a kitchen or having food safety certifications could give you an edge over other candidates when applying for a role at DORCHESTER COLLECTION.
Make It Personal:When applying through our website, use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about working with DORCHESTER COLLECTION. Draw on any personal experiences you have in the hospitality scene and how they inspired you to apply for this seasonal role. We love a personal touch!
How to prepare for a job interview at DORCHESTER COLLECTION
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
With a seasonal role in hospitality-food-service, it’s super important to familiarise yourself with the menu. Be ready to chat about your favourite dishes, special ingredients, and any dietary considerations people might have. This shows you're passionate and prepared to provide excellent service right from the start!
✨Brush Up on Your Customer Service Skills
In hospitality, customer service can make or break the experience. Think of scenarios where you've gone the extra mile for a guest, or how you've handled challenges with a smile. Prepare a few stories that highlight your ability to connect with customers, solve problems, and create a welcoming atmosphere.
✨Flexibility is Key
Seasonal roles often require us to be flexible with our hours and responsibilities. During the interview, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt. Highlighting your ability to jump into different roles, whether it’s serving or kitchen support, can really set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, especially in busy seasons. Prepare to share experiences where you collaborated with colleagues to create a seamless experience for guests. If you've got any examples where you helped to lift team morale during busy shifts, mention them! It’s all about showing that you can contribute positively to the work environment.
