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- Tasks: Take charge of your section, cooking delicious meals for students and special events.
- Company: Join the historic Pembroke College community in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, gym access, wellbeing support, and local discounts.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and opportunities for personal growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant kitchen that celebrates food and community.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery and two years of kitchen experience.
The predicted salary is between 32080 - 32080 £ per year.
Welcome to Pembroke. Pembroke College is more than a place of learning; it's one of Cambridge's oldest and most celebrated communities, founded in 1347 and home to 195 staff, 73 Fellows, and over 700 students. At the heart of it all, our kitchens keep the college alive. This is more than a kitchen role. It's a chance to cook at the centre of historic college life—from daily student dining and formal halls to high-profile events, alumni celebrations, and weddings. Food at Pembroke is central to community, and we're proud of the chefs who deliver it.
What you'll be doing:
- Take real ownership of your section, preparing and cooking main course and side order items to a consistently high standard, working one day ahead on prep.
- Follow daily prep lists and par levels set by the Head Chef and Sous Chefs, maintaining a clean, organised mise en place at all times.
- Keep your section free from all major allergen ingredients, with no processed ingredients or additives and communicate daily dietary requirements for display in the servery and food blog.
- Assist with ordering goods and controlling food costs, maximising efficiency and reducing waste across the operation.
- Support the Head Chef and Sous Chefs in supervising kitchen porters and contributing to departmental planning and delivery.
- Ensure full compliance with COSHH, Food Safety, HACCP and Health & Safety regulations, reporting any incidents promptly.
What we'd love you to bring:
- NVQ Level 2 or above Professional Cookery, plus a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate and HACCP/COSHH training.
- Minimum two years of professional kitchen experience in a similar role.
- Genuine passion for food, precision in the kitchen, and pride in every plate.
- Strong organisational skills with a methodical approach to your workload and the ability to perform calmly under pressure.
- Excellent communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills—approachable, reliable, and ready to support those around you.
- Flexibility to work weekend shift patterns and adapt to a varied and dynamic service schedule.
Brilliant work deserves brilliant perks:
- Free meal on duty
- On-site gym
- Wellbeing & mental health support
- Medicash & healthcare
- Cycle to work scheme
- Local discounts
- NOW pension scheme, annual staff outing, Christmas gift and more
Chef de Partie in Cambridge employer: Pembroke College, Cambridge
Contact Detail:
Pembroke College, Cambridge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef de Partie in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Pembroke College and its culinary culture. Understanding their values and what makes their kitchen tick will help you connect with the chefs and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring a dish or two that showcases your cooking style and passion for food. This is your moment to shine and demonstrate your creativity and precision in the kitchen—make it memorable!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! Since you'll be working closely with the Head Chef and Sous Chefs, share examples of how you've collaborated in past roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you support your colleagues, as this is key in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you cooking at Pembroke!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef de Partie in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what excites you about working in a kitchen like ours at Pembroke College.
Be Specific About Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your qualifications and relevant experience. Mention your NVQ Level 2 or above in Professional Cookery and any specific techniques or cuisines you excel in. We want to know what makes you stand out!
Keep It Organised and Clear: Just like in the kitchen, organisation is key! Structure your application clearly, using headings and bullet points where necessary. This will make it easier for us to see your skills and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pembroke College, Cambridge
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the key ingredients and dishes that Pembroke College is known for. Being able to discuss your favourite recipes or how you would elevate a classic dish can really impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Organisation Skills
Since the role requires maintaining a clean and organised mise en place, be prepared to share examples of how you've managed your section in previous kitchens. Discussing your prep strategies and how you handle busy service times will demonstrate your ability to thrive under pressure.
✨Communicate Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for food shine through! Talk about what drives your passion for cooking and how you ensure quality in every plate. This is a chance to connect with the interviewers on a personal level, so don’t hold back.
✨Be Ready for Teamwork Questions
As teamwork is crucial in a kitchen environment, prepare to discuss your experiences working with others. Share specific instances where you supported your team or resolved conflicts, highlighting your interpersonal skills and reliability.