Chef De Partie

Chef De Partie

Full-Time 25290 - 30910 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our kitchen team to create amazing dishes and lead junior chefs.
  • Company: Be part of the UK's largest employee-owned business, John Lewis and Waitrose.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, competitive pay, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Embrace a culture of kindness, respect, and personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant kitchen while developing your culinary skills.
  • Qualifications: Professional chef qualifications and strong leadership skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 25290 - 30910 £ per year.

About the role

Hours of work -

45 hrs per week, Earliest start time 06:00 and latest finish time 21:30. Working 5 out of 7 days including weekends 11:00 - 21:00.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assisting the Head and Sous Chef to plan and deliver a food offer that aligns with current trends and customer demand, maintaining exceptional presentation standards.
  • Using your expertise to train and develop junior chefs and kitchen porters, including specialised skills like fishmongery and butchery.
  • Ensuring all legislative requirements are met, including allergen management, food safety policies, and health & safety standards.
  • Conducting daily compliance checks (fridge temperatures, cleaning schedules, and PPE) and taking charge of the kitchen operation in the absence of senior chefs.
  • Helping to achieve sales targets by managing food availability and equipping the front‑of‑house team with the knowledge to upsell effectively.
  • Managing food orders with accuracy to minimise wastage and maximise profit margins.
  • Acting as a representative of the Partnership, providing a consistently outstanding experience for our guests and fellow Partners.

Essential skills/experience you'll need

  • - Relevant professional chef qualifications, such as City & Guilds diplomas in professional cookery, BTEC HNC in professional cookery, or equivalent.
  • - Excellent skills to instruct the kitchen team and deliver clear feedback to front‑of‑house staff.
  • - The ability to deliver high‑quality results in a fast‑paced environment while upholding strict hygiene and safety standards.
  • - Ability to foster mutual trust and respect within a team, ensuring every Partner feels valued.
  • - Quick and confident decision‑making skills to resolve kitchen issues efficiently.

Desirable skills/experience you may have

  • - Level 3 Food Safety qualification.
  • - Experience in coaching or developing junior kitchen Partners.
  • - Experience working in a hotel or high‑volume quality dining environment
  • The partnership

We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose.

We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world.

As we look to our future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us.

We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail.

We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify.

Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food‑lovers in Waitrose.

As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards.

We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect.

We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong.

Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE.

Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective.

As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.

Important points to note

It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre‑employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates).

If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays.

Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third‑party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.

We want all of our Partners to have a good work‑life balance and we support flexible working.

This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible.

Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.

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Chef De Partie employer: John Lewis Partnership

As the largest employee-owned business in the UK, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture where every Partner is valued and empowered. With a strong focus on personal and professional growth, we offer extensive training opportunities, including specialised skills development, ensuring that our team thrives in a dynamic environment. Located in a vibrant setting, our commitment to work-life balance and flexible working arrangements makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the culinary arts.

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Contact Details:

John Lewis Partnership Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Chef De Partie

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 John Lewis Partnership. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to John Lewis Partnership

Don't be shy about reaching out to John Lewis Partnership 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

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Teamwork
Adaptability
Time Management
Organizational Skills
Attention to Detail

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 John Lewis Partnership 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 John Lewis Partnership

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!