Chef de Partie - 12 month fixed term contract in Oxford

Salary: £33,253 – £35,933 per annum depending on experience

Hours: 39 hours per week, 5 days out of 7 (including weekends & Bank Holidays)

We are looking for a talented and motivated Chef de Partie to join our busy College kitchen. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a high-quality environment producing exceptional food for students, staff, and prestigious College events including conferences, weddings, and formal dining.

As Chef de Partie, you will:

• Prepare and present high-quality dishes for daily service and special events
• Run a section and lead shifts with confidence
• Support menu development and bring creativity to the kitchen
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and presentation
• Work collaboratively with a passionate and professional team

About You

You will have:

• Experience in a similar role within a busy kitchen
• A recognised catering qualification (NVQ Level 3 or equivalent)
• Strong knowledge of food safety and allergens
• A passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients and fine dining standards
• The ability to stay calm and deliver under pressure

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• A supportive and professional kitchen environment
• Opportunity to work on high-profile College events
• Consistent hours and structured rota

If you are passionate about delivering exceptional food and want to be part of a respected College environment, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

The post holder will combine the preparation of tasty, wholesome food at volume alongside high end restaurant style food. It is an environment which is always looking for opportunities to improve and encourages all of the team to participate. With this emphasis on quality and improvement the role offers plenty of scope to develop a culinary career and learn new skills all within a modern, fully equipped kitchen at Jesus College. We are keen to recruit people with an energy and passion for cooking and creating quality dishes and who are eager to learn and develop. Being part of an ambitious kitchen team committed to providing outstanding food will be important to you, as is being passionate about food and cooking. This role offers a good work/life balance as there is limited weekend working; there being very few Saturday evenings on the rota. The meals catered for range from servery lunches to restaurant style fine dining and international themed food nights. Our thriving conference business will give you experience of catering for large banquets, as well as formal private dinners and meals for students and the Fellowship.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Qualifications & Training

• Professional catering qualification such as City & Guilds 7061/7062, NVQ Level 3, or equivalent.
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to complete upon appointment).
• Demonstrable knowledge of current Health & Safety legislation, including food safety standards and allergen awareness.

Experience & Knowledge

• Proven experience in a similar role within a busy kitchen environment.
• Experience running a section or meal service, particularly during high-volume periods.
• Significant experience working to high standards using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Good understanding of dietary requirements, including food allergies and special diets.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to food preparation and presentation.
• Ability to adapt and problem-solve using initiative within the scope of the role.
• Confident working without direct supervision while maintaining consistent output.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with colleagues and other departments.
• Capable of working calmly and positively under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen.

Personal Attributes

• Enthusiastic and committed to producing high-quality food to fine dining level and standards.
• A reliable team player who supports colleagues and contributes to a positive working environment.
• High standard of personal hygiene and general physical fitness.

Benefits

• Meals - A free meal is available when on duty and the kitchen is open.
• Uniform: A full chef laundered uniform will be provided.
• Holiday - A generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days per year (pro rata for part time posts), which includes all Bank and Public holidays.
• Pension - On joining the College you will be automatically enrolled into either the Oxford Staff Pension Scheme (“OSPS”) or University Superannuation Scheme, (“USS”) as applicable.
• Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 access to a broad spectrum of services, including Health Management, Online and Face-to-Face Counselling, and Debt Management.
• Travel Loan - You may, on the completion of your probation period, be entitled to receive an interest-free loan to enable you to purchase an annual season ticket for travel by bus, with a discount of 5% on the overall cost.
• Personal Development - Staff are encouraged to develop both professionally and personally and the College supports employees to develop their skills and improve their performance throughout their time with the College.
• Family-friendly policies - The College has a range of family-friendly policies in place, including parental and family leave, and flexible working.
• Childcare Services - Open to University and College Staff and Students, the University owns a number of nurseries and has places at a number of Community nurseries which employees can apply for.
• Oxford University Discounts - College staff will receive a University card which provides discounts including free entry to Oxford Colleges and libraries, 10% discount in some University shops, free access to the University Botanical Gardens and Harcourt Arboretum, and discounted computer software from the University Computing service.
• Access to Sports Facilities and Punt Hire - Staff may use the College’s sports facilities and sign up for punt hire during the summer period for a small fee. Staff can also sign up for free to the University Club and use the University Sports Centre on Iffley Road at discounted rates.
• Library - College staff have access to the Meyricke Library, open 24 hours a day.
• Eye Test/Glasses Reimbursement - a free annual eye test and a glasses contribution are offered for staff that are regularly display screen equipment (DSE) users and who have been advised they need glasses for DSE use.
• Flu Vaccinations - a yearly flu vaccination scheme where staff not otherwise eligible to receive a free vaccination can obtain one at the cost of the College.
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme - The college recently launched an electric vehicle scheme available to staff subject to earnings criteria – working with the provider TUSKER.
• Cycle to Work Salary Sacrifice Scheme – also recently launched provided by Green Commute initiative.
• Secure Bike Parking - bikes can be locked away securely on site.
• Onsite Gym – free and available for staff subject to completing an induction.
• Multifaith Room – available for staff and students.
• Discounted Guest Rooms - Staff may book a guest room at Jesus College at a discounted rate, subject to availability and terms and conditions.