At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook high-quality food for a busy café serving up to 900 customers daily.
- Company: Join Wellington College, one of the UK's leading independent schools.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and opportunities for overtime.
- Other info: Enjoy a rewarding role with potential for career growth in a prestigious setting.
- Why this job: Work in a dynamic kitchen environment with a focus on quality and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef de Partie in high-volume catering and strong food safety knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 31200 £ per year.
Wellington College is one of the UK's leading independent schools, renowned for excellence in education, outstanding facilities, and exceptional hospitality standards. This is far more than a traditional school catering role. Wellington College operates a dynamic and diverse food operation that combines high-volume dining, hospitality, retail catering, and event services across a campus environment.
We are looking for a passionate and ambitious Chef de Partie to join our team within the V&A Café. This role offers the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, professional kitchen where quality, presentation, innovation, and customer experience are at the heart of everything we do.
About the Role
As Chef de Partie, you will play a key role in supporting the delivery of high-quality food across a busy catering operation serving up to 900 covers daily. The role requires strong experience in large-batch cooking and food production, alongside an understanding of retail and commercial catering. The V&A Café continues to grow its retail offering, making commercial awareness, food sales knowledge, and an understanding of customer trends highly desirable.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and cook high-quality food for large-scale service operations serving up to 900 customers daily
- Deliver exceptional food presentation standards across plated dining, retail, and hospitality services
- Support the continued growth and success of the V&A Café retail operation
- Ensure all food is prepared and served in accordance with allergen legislation and dietary requirements
- Maintain excellent knowledge of food temperatures, HACCP procedures, food safety, and compliance standards
- Assist with stock management, stock rotation, ordering, deliveries, and inventory control
- Ensure storage areas are maintained to the highest standards of food safety and cleanliness
- Monitor food quality, portion control, and waste reduction initiatives
- Support hospitality events, special functions, and occasional evening services
- Assist with menu development and retail food concepts that drive customer engagement and revenue growth
- Maintain exceptional kitchen hygiene standards and support audit readiness at all times
- Work collaboratively with the wider catering team to deliver an outstanding customer experience
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Previous experience as a Chef de Partie or similar role within a high-volume catering environment
- Experience of large-batch cooking and food production
- Strong understanding of food safety, HACCP, allergens, and dietary requirements
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to perform effectively during busy service periods
- Experience managing stock, deliveries, and food storage procedures
- Passion for food quality, presentation, and customer service
- Level 2 Food Safety Certificate or equivalent
Highly Desirable
- Experience within independent schools, universities, hospitality venues, hotels, or contract catering
- Retail catering or commercial food operation experience
- Hospitality and event catering experience
- Experience working in customer-facing food environments
- Commercial awareness and understanding of food sales and revenue generation
Working Pattern
- 40 hours per week
- 5 days out of 7
- Term Time Only
- Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support hospitality functions and special events
- Overtime opportunities available
This is an exciting opportunity for a chef who enjoys combining high-volume food production with hospitality and retail catering within a prestigious and rewarding environment.
Chef de Partie in Crowthorne employer: Sodexo Group
Wellington College is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture set in the picturesque Berkshire countryside. As a Chef de Partie, you will benefit from a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package while working in a dynamic environment that prioritises quality and innovation in food service. With opportunities for professional growth and the chance to collaborate with experienced chefs, this role promises a rewarding experience in one of the UK's leading independent schools.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef de Partie in Crowthorne
✨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 Sodexo Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sodexo Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sodexo Group 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 in Crowthorne
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 Sodexo Group 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 Sodexo Group
✨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!
