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- Tasks: Prepare and present high-quality meals in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Company: Join the John Lewis Partnership, known for ethically sourced, delicious food.
- Benefits: Enjoy annual bonuses, discounts, subsidized hotel stays, and extended leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team creating exceptional dining experiences with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications needed; on-the-job training provided for all skill levels.
- Other info: Flexible shift patterns available to fit your lifestyle, from full-time to weekend-only roles.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 42000 £ per year.
At the John Lewis Partnership, we’re passionate about using ingredients with provenance in our kitchens. With each and every dish, we aim to produce fresh seasonal meals that are second to none.
It’s not just for our customers either. Whether you’re visiting The Place To Eat at John Lewis & Partners or backstage in our Partner Dining Rooms, you’ll find the same quality food on offer. We are dedicated to creating dishes cooked to the highest standards.
Great dishes are for everyone. Therefore, we’re proud to put ethically sourced and delicious food first throughout the UK’s largest in-house Catering offering.
At the heart of that are our Chefs, who use their passion for fine food to cook up great dining experiences for customers and Partners alike. We’re always looking for fresh talent to join us. In return, you’ll enjoy the outstanding benefits and rewards that come with Chef careers at the John Lewis Partnership.
What will I do?
As a Chef, you might be preparing fresh meals for both customers and Partners at one of our John Lewis & Partners and Waitrose & Partners branches or in our Partner Dining Rooms.
We also run kitchens in some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes at our exclusive Hotels and recruit Chefs for our Waitrose Cookery Schools. Here, you’ll entertain both customers and Partners and help them master everything from breadmaking to that perfect pastry.
These roles are all underpinned by the same values for providing great food cooked to the highest standards. No matter whether you’re cooking meals for customers, Partners, or aspiring chefs, your food will delight.
Wherever you’re based across the John Lewis Partnership, you’ll work with fresh and quality seasonal produce. Day to day tasks could include:
- Preparing, cooking and presenting high quality meals in fast-paced environments
- Maintaining a clean and tidy kitchen environment that is safe for food preparation
- Avoiding food wastage through portion control, preparation and storage methods
- Controlling and monitoring stock
- Operating and cleaning cooking equipment
- Putting together menus
- Training and upskilling other Partners in the Catering team
The other internal and external stakeholders you’ll be in contact with include:
- Line Managers
- Leadership Teams
- Maintenance
- Group Food Hygiene & Safety Managers
- Operations Managers
What do I need to be a Chef with the John Lewis Partnership?
Alongside the on-the-job training you will receive from your colleagues and the day to day experience, we recognise that providing training and development programmes are key to progression. Whether you are a junior Chef or a highly seasoned cook, our team will help you to climb up the kitchen hierarchy.
As a Chef, you’ll find a clearly structured development pathway as you progress in your Catering career:
- Head Chef: A Food Safety Level 3 qualification is required for this role.
- Commis Chef: You will assist in the planning, production and delivery of the food on offer to customers and Partners.
- Sous Chef: You will assist the Head Chef in planning, producing and delivering food.
- Chef de Partie: You’ll assist the Head Chef and Sous Chef, as well as deputising in either of their absences.
What benefits will I enjoy in the role?
As a Partner at John Lewis & Partners and Waitrose & Partners, you’ll be entitled to our industry leading benefits. Cooking with the John Lewis Partnership will pave the way for you to enjoy:
- Our annual bonus
- Discounts at both Waitrose & Partners and John Lewis & Partners
- Subsidised stays at our exclusive Partnership hotels
- Sports Clubs and Societies
- Extended Leave
What shift patterns are available?
Whether you’re looking for full-time or part-time Chef jobs, we have a range of shift patterns. This variety of working hours per week means our jobs cater to all types of lifestyles.
Some of our jobs offer you the chance to work weekends only, whilst others are available during weekday hours too. Please check job descriptions to find the specified hours for our roles.
Apply Now For Chef Job Opportunities
With 50 John Lewis & Partners branches and over 348 Waitrose & Partners shops around the UK, we have a huge range of Chef vacancies available. So whether you’re looking for cooking jobs in London, the South West, the Midlands or Scotland, we may have a role for you. Search for a current Chef opportunity near you.
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Chef Jobs At The John Lewis Partnership employer: John Lewis Partnership
Contact Detail:
John Lewis Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Jobs At The John Lewis Partnership
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the John Lewis Partnership's commitment to ethically sourced ingredients. Highlight your own experience with seasonal produce and how you can contribute to their mission of providing high-quality meals.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your ability to work in fast-paced environments. Prepare examples from your previous roles where you successfully managed time and resources while maintaining high standards in food preparation.
✨Tip Number 3
Emphasize your teamwork skills, especially in a kitchen setting. Mention any experience you have in training or upskilling others, as this aligns with their focus on developing talent within the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the specific locations and types of kitchens they operate, such as hotels and cookery schools. Tailor your application to reflect your interest in these diverse culinary environments and how you can adapt your skills accordingly.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Jobs At The John Lewis Partnership
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Chef position at the John Lewis Partnership. Understand the key responsibilities and the values they uphold, such as using ethically sourced ingredients and maintaining high cooking standards.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize any previous experience you have in fast-paced kitchen environments. Mention specific skills like food preparation, menu planning, and training others, as these are crucial for the role.
Show Your Passion for Food: Express your passion for cooking and fine food in your cover letter. Share any personal experiences or achievements that demonstrate your commitment to quality and creativity in the kitchen.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chef position. Include relevant qualifications, such as food safety certifications, and any specific culinary training you have received. Highlight your ability to work with seasonal produce and your experience in various kitchen roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis Partnership
✨Show Your Passion for Fresh Ingredients
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for using fresh, seasonal, and ethically sourced ingredients. Share examples of how you've incorporated these values into your cooking in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific techniques you use in the kitchen. Whether it's your approach to portion control or how you maintain a clean workspace, showcasing your skills will impress the interviewers.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Since you'll be working closely with other Partners, emphasize your ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced environment. Share stories that illustrate your teamwork and communication skills.
✨Prepare Questions About Development Opportunities
Show your interest in growth by asking about training and development programs. Inquire about the structured pathways available for progression within the John Lewis Partnership, demonstrating your commitment to a long-term career.
