At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious dishes and manage your own kitchen section at a stunning country hotel.
- Company: Join Hand Picked Hotels, a family-owned luxury hotel group with a focus on excellence.
- Benefits: Earn £15 per hour, enjoy 28 days holiday, and access great colleague perks.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and ongoing training in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that crafts unforgettable experiences in a beautiful setting.
- Qualifications: Previous kitchen experience and a passion for culinary excellence are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3QB
Salary: Starting at £15 per hour + service charge + excellent colleague benefits
Job Type: Full-time | Permanent | 5 days out of 7
Set amid Surrey’s picturesque countryside, Woodlands Park Hotel is a striking country house retreat where excellence, creativity, and hospitality come together. From luxurious weddings and distinguished events to indulgent getaways, our team crafts experiences that guests remember long after they leave. Joining us means being part of a team that values professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care.
With 57 beautifully styled bedrooms, acclaimed dining, and elegant event spaces, you’ll work in surroundings that are as inspiring as the experiences we deliver. Whether your passion lies in guest services, culinary excellence, event management, or wellness, Woodlands Park Hotel offers opportunities to grow, learn, and contribute to a team committed to creating exceptional moments. Here, every role matters and every day is an opportunity to make a lasting impression.
As a member of our team, you will help create unforgettable moments for guests as they explore our tranquil parkland, celebrate special events, and enjoy our personalised service, with an emphasis on service excellence & consistency. If you’re passionate about hospitality, thrive in a supportive environment, and enjoy making a real difference to someone’s stay, Woodlands Park Hotel offers an inspiring place to grow your career.
What will the role involve?
The Chef de Partie will take ownership of a designated section within the kitchen and support the delivery of an exceptional culinary experience for guests. Working closely with the Head Chef and Sous Chef team, the Chef de Partie will prepare, cook, and present dishes to a consistently high standard, ensuring quality, care, and seasonal flair in every service.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing the section efficiently during service
- Maintaining high standards of food hygiene and safety
- Ensuring mise en place is completed to the highest level
- Supporting junior team members
- Monitoring stock within the section
- Assisting with menu preparation across the hotel—including private dining and special events
- Helping to ensure every dish enhances the guest experience
What’s in it for you?
- A competitive hourly rate of £15 with incremental pay reviews based on commitment and performance, plus a share of service charge.
- A welcoming, inclusive culture where long‑term friendships and diversity are celebrated.
- Ongoing career development with in‑house and external training, including apprenticeships and industry‑recognised courses.
- 28 days holiday per year including bank holidays, increasing to 33 days including bank holidays with length of service.
- Uniform and meals on shift provided.
- Free onsite parking (where applicable).
- Access to wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme.
- Company pension, enhanced sick pay & Life assurance scheme.
- Online retail discount platform offering savings with high‑street retailers and restaurants, and a health and well‑being platform.
- Discounted stays in our hotels and on food, drink, spa treatments & products.
- Annual loyalty awards (e.g., afternoon teas and overnight stays).
- Introduction bonus for new colleague recommendations.
- Colleague of the Month awards, which leads to our annual awards ceremony.
- Regular team gatherings and appreciation events.
Who we are
Hand Picked Hotels is a family‑owned group of 21 luxury country houses and coastal retreats, founded in 2001 by owner and Chairman Julia Hands MBE. Each hotel is hand‑picked for its individuality, architectural distinction, and breathtaking location—from the Scottish Highlands to the Channel Islands, offering views of the countryside, beaches, and woodlands. We are committed to protecting the environment for a sustainable future. All our hotels have received the ‘Green Tourism’ accreditation, recognising our progress in reducing energy use and waste, supporting biodiversity, and sourcing responsibly from local and ethical partners.
Qualifications & Experience
We are looking for candidates with previous experience in a professional kitchen, ideally within a quality hotel or restaurant environment, who understand how to run a section and maintain high culinary standards. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for food, learning, and development are essential. We value candidates who are enthusiastic, approachable, and eager to go above and beyond to deliver consistently high standards and exceptional service.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Hand Picked Hotels is an Equal Opportunities employer. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
Chef de Partie employer: HandPickedHotels
Woodlands Park Hotel, nestled in the serene Surrey countryside, is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and inclusive work culture. With competitive pay, extensive benefits, and a commitment to employee growth through ongoing training and development, we empower our team to thrive in their culinary careers while creating unforgettable experiences for our guests. Join us to be part of a family-owned group that values professionalism, creativity, and genuine care, all within a stunning environment that inspires excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef de Partie
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Woodlands Park Hotel and its culinary style. This will help you connect with the chefs and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! If you can, whip up a dish that showcases your culinary flair and be ready to talk about it during your interview. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion for food and creativity.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your experience! Think about specific examples from your previous roles where you’ve excelled in a busy kitchen. Highlight how you maintained high standards and supported your team—this is what they want to hear!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef de Partie
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Culinary Excellence:When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your culinary skills and how you’ve contributed to creating memorable dining experiences.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and expectations outlined in the job description. Mention how your previous experience aligns with the role of Chef de Partie and how you can contribute to our team at Woodlands Park Hotel.
Highlight Teamwork and Leadership Skills:As a Chef de Partie, you'll be working closely with others. Use your application to showcase examples of how you've supported junior team members or collaborated with chefs in past roles. We love seeing candidates who thrive in a team environment!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Woodlands Park Hotel!
How to prepare for a job interview at HandPickedHotels
✨Know Your Culinary Skills
Brush up on your culinary techniques and be ready to discuss your experience in a professional kitchen. Be prepared to share specific examples of dishes you've created or challenges you've overcome in the kitchen.
✨Show Your Passion for Hospitality
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the hospitality industry during the interview. Share stories about how you've gone above and beyond to enhance a guest's experience, as this aligns with the hotel's commitment to exceptional service.
✨Understand the Hotel's Values
Familiarise yourself with Woodlands Park Hotel's values and mission. Be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care for guests.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask the interviewers. This could include inquiries about the kitchen culture, opportunities for growth, or how they maintain high standards of food hygiene and safety. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the team.
