At a Glance
- Tasks: Create exceptional dishes and manage your own kitchen section in a luxury hotel.
- Company: Join Hand Picked Hotels, a family-owned group of stunning country retreats.
- Benefits: Earn £15 per hour, enjoy 28 days holiday, and access great colleague perks.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive, inclusive culture await you.
- 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 - Luxury Hotel Kitchen with Seasonal Flair employer: HandPickedHotels
At Woodlands Park Hotel, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture where every team member is valued. With competitive pay, extensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth through ongoing training, we empower our staff to thrive in a beautiful countryside setting. Join us to create unforgettable experiences while enjoying perks like discounted stays, wellness support, and a strong sense of community among colleagues.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef de Partie - Luxury Hotel Kitchen with Seasonal Flair
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who might know someone at Woodlands Park Hotel. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, bring a portfolio of your culinary creations or even offer to do a trial shift. This gives you a chance to showcase your talent and fit within the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the interview! Research the hotel’s values and recent events. Tailor your answers to show how your passion for food and hospitality aligns with their mission of creating unforgettable guest experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Woodlands Park Hotel family.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef de Partie - Luxury Hotel Kitchen with Seasonal Flair
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 creativity, especially in a professional kitchen setting.
Tailor Your Application to Us:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and culture of Woodlands Park Hotel. Mention how your experience aligns with our commitment to service excellence and creating unforgettable guest experiences.
Highlight Your Team Spirit:We’re all about teamwork here at Woodlands Park Hotel. In your application, emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with others, support junior team members, and contribute to a positive kitchen environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our luxury hotel kitchen.
How to prepare for a job interview at HandPickedHotels
✨Know Your Culinary Basics
Brush up on your culinary techniques and seasonal ingredients before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with different cooking methods and how you incorporate seasonal flair into your dishes. This shows your passion for food and attention to detail.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with the Head Chef and Sous Chef, highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've supported junior team members or collaborated with colleagues in past roles. This will demonstrate that you value a supportive kitchen environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific kitchen scenarios, like managing a busy service or dealing with a food safety issue. Think through your responses and be ready to explain your thought process. This will show your problem-solving skills and commitment to high standards.
✨Express Your Passion for Hospitality
Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for creating exceptional guest experiences. Share stories about how you've gone above and beyond in previous roles to enhance customer satisfaction. This aligns perfectly with the hotel's focus on service excellence and genuine care.
