At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients in a vibrant kitchen.
- Company: Join Thomas Franks, a unique catering business focused on excellence and individuality.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, discounts, and exceptional training opportunities.
- Other info: Access to career progression and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Showcase your culinary skills while working in a prestigious school environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef de Partie or Junior Sous Chef is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 32000 £ per year.
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: £15.26 per hour
Hours: 40h per week
The role is based within a small group of two schools supporting the world’s leading centre for classical ballet training. Located in Richmond, the site caters for approximately 215 covers daily at the main house, delivering breakfast and supper service seven days a week, alongside high-quality hospitality and occasional large-scale events and holiday lets. Due to the unique location, having access to your own transport would be highly beneficial.
We are looking for a talented Chef de Partie to join our team at one of our prestigious locations in Richmond. You will have previous experience working in a fast-paced kitchen at Chef de Partie or Junior Sous Chef level. You will be excited by the opportunity to work with fresh, seasonal ingredients and regularly changing bespoke menus. This is a creative role where you will have the chance to showcase your skills and contribute ideas within a supportive kitchen environment.
What makes this role attractive:
- Set in beautiful park surroundings
- Free transport provided from Richmond station to the school
- Discounts available for selected London theatres and the Royal Opera House
- Opportunity to be involved in school events and functions
- Consistent cooking for under 200 covers in a well-structured environment
Key Responsibilities:
- Work effectively as part of a professional kitchen team delivering high-quality catering services to pupils and teaching staff
- Prepare and produce fresh food from scratch in line with company brand standards
- Maintain consistently high food quality standards while ensuring wastage is controlled
- Follow all Food Hygiene, Health & Safety, and allergen control procedures at all times
What we are looking for:
- A genuine passion for food and delivering excellent service
- A strong team player with a positive, can-do attitude
- Creativity and enthusiasm for working with fresh, seasonal produce
- Strong organisational skills with great attention to detail
- Basic understanding of food costs and waste control
- Good understanding of spoken English
- Good standard of written English and reading skills
- Previous experience in a food preparation or customer-focused kitchen environment is desirable
Benefits:
- Wide Wider Wallet discount scheme, offering savings at major retailers, restaurants, gyms and more
- Free meals on duty
- Volunteer day – up to one paid day per year to support a charity or cause of your choice
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Refer a Friend bonus scheme
- Exceptional training and development opportunities tailored to your career growth
- Well-established apprenticeship programmes
- Regular team and company social events
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing support
- Company pension scheme
- Clear and genuine career progression opportunities within a leading independent contract caterer
About us:
Thomas Franks is a founder led, fresh food catering business with a focus on excellence and service delivered with individuality, passion and style. We are unique in every approach and our clients, and our people are paramount to our daily success.
Disclaimer:
All applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have the Right to Work in the UK to be considered for this role. An enhanced DBS, Identity & reference checks (covering the last five years) will form part of the selection process. As an organisation using the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Disclosure service to assess applicants' suitability for positions of trust, Thomas Franks Ltd complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes to treat all applicants for positions fairly. We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and undertake not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure based on conviction or other information revealed. However, for any post in a school please be aware that any application is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such any criminal conviction, caution or bind-over must be declared.
Diversity and Inclusion at Thomas Franks:
We actively encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds and continue to develop a culture of growth and inclusion and would like to invite applications from groups who are currently under-represented, because we believe greater diversity leads to exceptional results and provides a better working life.
Chef de Partie – Fresh, Seasonal Kitchen in Prestige School in Richmond employer: Thomas Franks Ltd
Thomas Franks is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises creativity and collaboration in a stunning park setting. Employees enjoy numerous benefits including free transport, discounts at major London theatres, and opportunities for professional development through tailored training and apprenticeship programmes. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing and a focus on delivering high-quality, fresh food, this role as Chef de Partie provides a rewarding environment for culinary professionals looking to grow their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef de Partie – Fresh, Seasonal Kitchen in Prestige School in Richmond
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen vibe! Before your interview, check out the school's social media or website to see what they're all about. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in their fresh, seasonal approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Bring along a few ideas for dishes using seasonal ingredients that could fit their menu. This not only highlights your culinary skills but also demonstrates your enthusiasm for contributing to their unique offerings.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! Since this role is all about working closely with others, think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve collaborated effectively in a busy kitchen. It’ll show you’re a strong team player with a positive attitude.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the kitchen's operations or upcoming events. This shows you’re engaged and eager to be part of their community, plus it gives you a chance to learn more about what makes them tick.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef de Partie – Fresh, Seasonal Kitchen in Prestige School in Richmond
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for fresh, seasonal ingredients shine through. Share any experiences that highlight your creativity and enthusiasm in the kitchen – we want to see your personality!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your previous roles as a Chef de Partie or Junior Sous Chef, and how they relate to this position.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate a friendly tone, remember to maintain professionalism in your written application. Use clear language and check your spelling and grammar to ensure everything is polished and easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you can ensure it reaches us quickly and securely, plus you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thomas Franks Ltd
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with fresh, seasonal ingredients and be ready to discuss how you would use them creatively in your dishes. This shows your passion for food and your ability to adapt to the ever-changing menus.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your experience as a team player in fast-paced kitchen environments. Share specific examples of how you've collaborated with others to deliver high-quality service, as this role requires strong teamwork.
✨Master Food Safety Standards
Brush up on food hygiene, health & safety, and allergen control procedures. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure these standards are met in your cooking, as they are crucial in a school setting.
✨Bring Your Creativity
Think of a few unique dish ideas that could fit within the school's ethos of fresh, seasonal cooking. Presenting your creative flair during the interview can set you apart from other candidates.
