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- Tasks: Join our Catering team to create and present delicious dishes daily.
- Company: Be part of a vibrant hotel known for its culinary excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, staff meals, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Opportunity to learn from experienced chefs and advance your culinary career.
- Why this job: Perfect for food lovers wanting to develop their skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed, just a passion for cooking and teamwork.
About the Role
Are you a passionate chef looking to take the next step in your career with a unique, employee-owned business? We are looking for a Commis Chef to join our team in our Odney Hotel.
As a Commis Chef, you\’ll be working as part of our talented kitchen brigade, helping to provide a first-class experience for Partners and guests of the hotel. As a key player in our Catering team, you will be essential in delivering high-quality culinary offerings and driving kitchen efficiency.
You’ll be working under the direction of the Head/Sous Chef, but there will also be opportunity for you to work independently, giving you the responsibility and experience to develop in your career. In addition to your contractual pay, any time worked between 22:00 – 06:00 will attract Night Premium at a rate of £4.00 per hour. This will also apply to existing Partners who have enrolled onto Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.
Hours of work – 45 hours per week.
Vacancy 1 – 06:00 – 16:00 5 days per week with Tuesday & Wednesday day off. Flexibility is required during holidays and events to work occasional later shifts.
Vacancy 2 – 11:00 – 21:00 5 days per week, flexibility is required on occasion to start earlier for early events and holidays.
Key Responsibilities
- Assisting the Head Chef & Sous Chef with the planning, production and delivery of the hotel food offer to agreed food presentation standards, in line with current trends and customer demand.
- Meeting all legislative requirements for the Catering environment, to include allergens.
- Daily compliance completion – checking all the records are up to date, temp of fridges, cleaning schedules, correct use of chemicals, PPE, H & S & business dress and customer service standards food safety policies.
Essential Skills / Experience
- Relevant professional chef qualifications: City & Guilds diplomas in professional cookery, BTEC HNC in professional cookery or equivalent or Proven experience in the Kitchen/Chef industry.
- Basic computer skills.
- Great customer service.
- Able to multitask and prioritise.
Desirable Skills / Experience
- Food Safety Level 2.
Closing Date: April 8, 2026
Pay: £26,200.00 – £38,000.00 Annual
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: 45 hrs
Job Level: Partnership Level 9
Where You\’ll Be Working: Odney Club, Odney Lane, Cookham, Berkshire, SL6 9SR
About 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 also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants.
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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Contact Detail:
John Lewis Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commis Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific cuisine and dishes that our hotel offers. This will not only help you during the interview but also show your genuine interest in the role and our culinary style.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain hands-on experience in a kitchen environment, even if it's through volunteering or internships. This practical knowledge will be invaluable and demonstrate your commitment to the culinary field.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the catering industry. Attend culinary events or workshops where you can meet chefs and other kitchen staff, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss food safety practices during your interview. Understanding and being able to articulate these policies will show that you take the role seriously and are ready to comply with essential standards.
We think you need these skills to ace Commis Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp what the Commis Chef position entails. Highlight your passion for food and any relevant experience in your application.
Showcase Your Skills: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your culinary skills, creativity, and ability to work under pressure. Mention any specific cuisines or techniques you excel in.
Highlight Food Safety Knowledge: Since compliance with food safety policies is crucial, include any certifications or training related to food hygiene and safety in your application.
Personalise Your Application: Tailor your cover letter to reflect your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention why you want to be part of their catering team and how you can contribute to their high standards.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis Partnership
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and food presentation during the interview. Share any personal experiences or inspirations that have shaped your culinary journey, as this will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Know Your Food Safety Practices
Familiarise yourself with food safety policies and procedures. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure hygiene and safety in the kitchen, as this is crucial for any catering position.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
As a Commis Chef, you'll be part of a team. Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with others and share examples of how you've contributed to a positive team environment in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about your cooking techniques and how you handle pressure in a busy kitchen. Be ready to discuss specific dishes you've prepared and any challenges you've faced, along with how you overcame them.