At a Glance
- Tasks: Run your own kitchen section, prepping and cooking to high standards.
- Company: Freight Island, a vibrant food and drink destination in Newcastle.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, tips, free meals, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive kitchen culture with training and development for ambitious chefs.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and elevate your culinary skills in a buzzing atmosphere.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef de Partie or strong Commis Chef ready to step up.
Join the pass at Freight Island. Freight Island is one of the most exciting food and drink destinations in the North East — a buzzing, music‑led space where serious cooking meets a brilliant atmosphere. We’re part of OG Hospo, an independent hospitality group that backs its chefs, invests in produce, and lets good food speak for itself. We’re looking for a confident, hungry Chef de Partie to own a section, raise the bar on every plate, and grow with a kitchen that’s going places. If you take pride in your mise en place, love a busy service, and want to learn from a team that cares, we want to hear from you.
The role at a glance
- Venue: Freight Island, Newcastle
- Reports to: Sous Chef / Head Chef
- Pay scale: £13.50 – £16.50 per hour (depending on experience), plus tronc
- Hours: Full‑time, 40–48 hours per week across a 7‑day rota (incl. evenings & weekends)
- Contract: Permanent
About the role
As Chef de Partie you’ll run your own section of the kitchen — prepping, cooking and plating to our standards during service while keeping your area clean, organised and ready. You’ll work closely with the Sous and Head Chef, support junior chefs, and help drive consistency across every dish that leaves the pass.
Key responsibilities
- Run an assigned section (grill, larder, sauce, pastry or prep) confidently and independently during service.
- Prepare and cook dishes to spec, maintaining consistency, quality and presentation on every plate.
- Manage your own mise en place, prep lists and section organisation ahead of and during service.
- Work cleanly and efficiently under pressure during busy periods, keeping the pass moving.
- Support, guide and help train commis chefs and kitchen porters on your section.
- Follow all food safety, allergen and HACCP procedures, completing temperature and cleaning records accurately.
- Maintain high standards of kitchen hygiene and adhere to COSHH and health & safety requirements at all times.
- Monitor stock on your section, rotate produce (FIFO), minimise waste and flag shortages to the Sous Chef.
- Contribute ideas for specials and menu development, working with seasonal produce and suppliers.
- Communicate clearly with front of house and the wider kitchen team to deliver a smooth service.
- Step up to support other sections and the wider team when service demands it.
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience as a Chef de Partie, or a strong Commis Chef ready to step up, in a fresh‑food, high‑volume or quality‑led kitchen.
- Solid cooking fundamentals and knife skills, with the ability to run a section unsupervised.
- A genuine passion for food, produce and getting the details right.
- Calm, focused and reliable under pressure during busy services.
- Good understanding of food safety, allergens and kitchen hygiene (Level 2 Food Hygiene or willingness to obtain).
- A team player with a positive, can‑do attitude and strong communication.
- Flexibility to work a rota that includes evenings, weekends and busy holiday periods.
- Eligible to work in the UK.
- Experience across more than one section (e.g. grill, sauce, larder or pastry).
- Level 2 or 3 Food Hygiene certificate.
- Experience in a multi‑outlet, events or high‑footfall venue.
- An eye for menu development and an interest in seasonal, local produce.
What we offer
- Competitive pay of £13.50 – £16.50 per hour, depending on experience.
- A share of tronc (tips) on top of your hourly rate.
- Paid overtime and a fair, balanced rota built around the team.
- Free or subsidised meals on shift.
- Staff discounts across OG Hospo venues.
- Real progression – we promote from within and back chefs who want to grow towards Sous and Head Chef roles.
- Training, development and the chance to work with great produce and an ambitious team.
- 28 days holiday (incl. bank holidays), pension and a genuinely supportive kitchen culture.
- A vibrant, sociable working environment at one of the region’s standout venues.
OG Hospo Ltd is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse, inclusive kitchen.
Chef De Partie in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Freight Island
Freight Island is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and sociable working environment in the heart of Newcastle. As part of OG Hospo, we prioritise our chefs' growth, providing real progression opportunities and a supportive kitchen culture that values creativity and teamwork. With competitive pay, paid overtime, and a commitment to using quality local produce, we ensure our team thrives both personally and professionally in a dynamic food and drink destination.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef De Partie in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨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 Freight Island. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Freight Island
Don't be shy about reaching out to Freight Island 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 in Newcastle upon Tyne
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 Freight Island 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 Freight Island
✨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!
