At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team, crafting authentic Mexican dishes with fresh ingredients.
- Company: Join Fonda, a contemporary Mexican restaurant by renowned chef Santiago Lastra, celebrating regional flavours.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 50% staff discount, and mental health support.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop your career as MJMK expands, plus enhanced holiday and pension plans.
- Why this job: Be part of a family-oriented culture that values work-life balance and personal growth.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Senior CDP with a passion for food and hospitality is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Last year has seen the launch of Fonda, an exciting, contemporary Mexican restaurant, years in the making from chef Santiago Lastra and MJMK Restaurants. Opening on Mayfair's Heddon Street, Fonda has showcased regional Mexican cooking through Santiago's unique lens, presented in an elegant, vibrant style, complemented by contemporary design.
In Mexico, a Fonda is a family-owned eatery, serving traditional dishes in an informal setting, each inspired by personal recipes from the generations that came before. Santiago Lastra's Fonda builds on this concept to showcase recipes from across the country. Though seemingly simple, Fonda's dishes will draw on the quality and provenance of ingredients, combined with innovative techniques to elicit the flavours of Mexico in a modern way. The warmth and genuine hospitality will be at the forefront of how we look after our team and guests, replicating Mexico's traditional family-run Fondas. Fonda's design is grounded in the warmth of rural Mexico and the vivid hues of its urban landscapes, conveying the colour, beauty, and evolution of the country's artistic heritage.
At Fonda, our team's welfare and happiness always comes first. We value the importance of work-life balance and here are some of the benefits and welfare that we offer to our team members:
- Up to £42,000 salary package, dependent on your experience.
- 50% staff discount across all MJMK sites.
- Up to £500 team referral bonus.
- Opportunity to develop your career with MJMK as we expand in the near future.
- Mental health and well-being assistance with Hospitality Action who can offer free advice and counselling if you're struggling at work or at home.
- Christmas and New Year's Day off, (we are closed 25th, 26th and 1st).
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay, after your first year with us.
- An extra day's holiday every year you're with us.
- An enhanced pension plan and the opportunity to take a sabbatical for a month, with two weeks paid by MJMK, after you've worked with us for 5 years.
A Fonda Senior CDP is:
- A hands-on, natural leader who can support the Sous Chef and Head Chef to nurture and grow a large team orientated around genuine hospitality.
- Experienced in working with fresh, top-quality ingredients and building relationships with our world-leading supply chain network.
- An enthusiastic and proactive individual, who is happy supporting the Sous Chef with responsibility in all areas of the kitchen.
- Able to work with integrity, generosity, and excellent attention to detail for people & product.
- Passionate and knowledgeable about food, wine, and hospitality and able to exceed guests' expectations.
- Champion our values and ethos, motivating the junior team to be working to a best in class level at all times.
- Responsible for their knowledge and learning in their job role, always looking to consistently be the best.
We'd love to hear from you if you're an experienced Senior CDP and you're up for a new challenge and the opportunity to work alongside Santiago Lastra.
Senior CDP in London employer: Fonda
Fonda, located in the vibrant heart of Mayfair, is an exceptional employer for Commis Chefs, offering a dynamic work environment that champions creativity and teamwork. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide generous benefits such as 50% staff discounts, free meals during shifts, and opportunities for career development within our award-winning restaurant group. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values integrity, excellence, and the rich culinary heritage of Mexico, all while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior CDP in London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the unique culinary style of Fonda and Chef Santiago Lastra. Understanding the essence of regional Mexican cooking and how it’s presented at Fonda will help you connect with the team during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen teams in the past. Highlighting your ability to nurture and motivate others will resonate well with the values of Fonda.
✨Tip Number 3
Network within the hospitality industry, especially with those who have experience in contemporary dining or Mexican cuisine. Personal connections can often lead to opportunities and insights that may not be publicly advertised.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your knowledge of food and wine pairings, as well as your experience with high-quality ingredients. Being able to articulate your passion for food and hospitality will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior CDP in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a Senior Chef de Partie. Focus on your leadership skills, experience with fresh ingredients, and any previous roles that demonstrate your ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for Mexican cuisine and hospitality. Mention specific experiences that align with Fonda's values and ethos, and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to work alongside chef Santiago Lastra.
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, emphasise your culinary skills, attention to detail, and ability to exceed guest expectations. Provide examples of how you've successfully led a team or improved kitchen operations in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail, which are crucial in the culinary industry.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fonda
✨Showcase Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for Mexican cuisine and your knowledge of its regional variations. Share personal experiences or dishes that inspire you, as this will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Highlight Leadership Skills
As a Senior CDP, you'll be expected to lead and support your team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff or resolved conflicts in previous roles to showcase your leadership abilities.
✨Emphasise Attention to Detail
Discuss your approach to maintaining high standards in food preparation and presentation. Be ready to provide specific instances where your attention to detail has positively impacted the dining experience.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Ingredients
Fonda values quality ingredients, so be prepared to talk about your experience with sourcing and working with fresh produce. Mention any relationships you've built with suppliers and how they contribute to your culinary creations.
