At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to create high-quality cuisine and support daily kitchen operations.
- Company: Rothamsted Enterprises, a leader in Agritech innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, generous pension, shopping discounts, and free parking.
- Other info: Interviews start June 2026; we welcome diverse applicants and support reasonable adjustments.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that supports innovation and scientific excellence.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2 years as Chef de Partie, NVQ level 3 in food safety hygiene required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 30000 € per year.
Salary: £28,000 to £30,000 depending on experience
Location: Rothamsted Campus Restaurant, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ
Working Pattern: 37 hours per week (5 out of 7 days depending on business needs)
We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, motivated and customer focused qualified Chef de Partie to join the Rothamsted Enterprises catering team and contribute to a diverse catering operation across the campus restaurant, Conference Centre, and event spaces.
Rothamsted’s catering spaces and food offerings play a key role in the campus ecosystem, supporting the campus values, culture and reputation. Through high-quality food, hospitality, and customer service, our catering operation helps create an environment that supports innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence across the world-leading Rothamsted Campus.
What you’ll be doing:
- You will be supporting and working closely with the Head Chef to ensure the smooth running of the day-to-day kitchen operation as well as the wider team.
- Contributing to menu development and service improvements.
- Preparation of high-quality food across the campus, including the restaurant, conference centre and events.
- Working collaboratively with the kitchen team and front of house team.
- Playing an active role in maintaining the 5-star food hygiene.
- Delivering and maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and health and safety.
What are we looking for:
- Passionate about delivering high quality cuisine.
- Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Chef de Partie or similar role or equivalent role.
- NVQ level 3 in food safety hygiene.
- Experience of managing food costings, wastage and budgetary controls.
- Team focused, organised, able to work under pressure and enjoys collaborating with the wider team.
What we can offer you:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Generous Pension scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Shopping discounts.
- Free car parking.
Interviews from the 2nd week in June 2026. Ready to take your next step? Apply today!
Chef De Partie employer: Rothamsted Research
Rothamsted Enterprises Ltd offers an exceptional working environment for a Chef de Partie, situated at the historic Rothamsted Campus in Harpenden. With a strong focus on high-quality cuisine and customer service, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that fosters innovation and professional growth. The generous benefits package, including 25 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and access to cultural and recreational activities, makes it an attractive employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef De Partie
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen! If you can, visit the Rothamsted Campus Restaurant before your interview. Familiarising yourself with the environment and the team can give you a leg up and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can provide insider tips and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus when applying through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion! During interviews, share specific examples of your culinary creations and how you've contributed to menu development in past roles. This will highlight your enthusiasm for high-quality cuisine.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to demonstrate your skills! If possible, prepare a dish that showcases your abilities and creativity. This hands-on approach can really impress the hiring team and set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef De Partie
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for high-quality cuisine shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for food and how it connects to our mission at Rothamsted.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your experience as a Chef de Partie or in similar roles. We’re looking for at least 2 years of experience, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills and achievements!
Tailor Your Application:Customise your application to reflect the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. Mention your NVQ level 3 in food safety hygiene and any experience with managing food costings to stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Rothamsted!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rothamsted Research
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the menu and the types of cuisine the restaurant offers. Being able to discuss specific dishes and your approach to preparing them will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, be prepared to share examples of how you've worked effectively within a team. Highlight any experiences where you contributed to a positive kitchen environment or helped resolve conflicts.
✨Demonstrate Your Hygiene Knowledge
As food hygiene is crucial, brush up on your knowledge of food safety standards and practices. Be ready to discuss how you maintain cleanliness and safety in the kitchen, as well as any relevant certifications you hold.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills under pressure. Think of scenarios where you had to manage food costings or handle unexpected challenges in the kitchen, and be ready to explain your thought process.
