At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our kitchen team as Chef de Partie, delivering exceptional food and supporting junior chefs.
- Company: White Rabbit Projects celebrates Scotland's flavours with creative cooking at Rusacks St Andrews.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive hourly rate, delicious meals, discounts, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Embrace your entrepreneurial spirit and contribute to a supportive, people-focused culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team in a high-energy kitchen, with opportunities for growth and creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef de Partie or ambitious Commis ready to step up is essential.
Casual Chef de Partie – Graduate Cambridge
Cook on the banks of the River Cam, on your terms
Garden House at Graduate Cambridge is hiring a Casual Chef de Partie to join our kitchen brigade on a flexible basis.
Set in the heart of Cambridge city centre, steps from the River Cam and The Backs, Graduate Cambridge is a 148-bedroom hotel with a food offer built by the team behind Lina Stores and Kricket. Our kitchen cooks seasonal, produce-led British food with fire at its heart, across a busy restaurant, bar, café, 24-hour room service and events.
If you're a confident CDP who wants flexible chef work in Cambridge, great produce and a kitchen culture that matches the quality of the food, read on.
How our values show up in the kitchen
Hospitality is at our core
Every plate that leaves the pass is part of a guest's experience. You'll cook with the guest in mind, whether it's a Saturday night in Garden House, a 2am room service order or a 200-cover wedding.
We do the right thing
No shortcuts on food safety, allergens or how we treat each other. You'll keep your section clean, compliant and safe, and you'll look out for the people cooking alongside you.
We pursue excellence
Consistency is everything. You'll cook every dish to spec, taste constantly, take pride in your mise en place and keep raising your own standard, shift after shift.
We are all entrepreneurs
Good ideas can come from anywhere in the brigade. You'll spot waste, suggest improvements, share specials ideas and treat the kitchen like it's your own.
What you'll be doing
- Running your section with confidence across breakfast, lunch, dinner and events service
- Preparing and cooking dishes to spec, with consistency and pride in every plate
- Supporting the Sous Chef and Head Chef with mise en place, ordering and stock rotation
- Keeping your section clean, organised and fully compliant with food safety and allergen standards
- Supporting and guiding commis chefs on shift
- Moving across sections as needed, from the grill to pastry to banqueting
What you'll bring
- Previous experience as a Chef de Partie, or a strong Demi CDP ready to step up, ideally in a quality restaurant or hotel kitchen
- A genuine passion for seasonal British produce and cooking with fire
- Calm under pressure and a team-first attitude during busy service
- Solid knowledge of food safety, HACCP and allergen management (Level 2 Food Hygiene preferred)
- Reliability and flexibility, including weekends, evenings and peak event periods
- A positive, supportive presence in the kitchen, even when the tickets are stacking up
- The right to work in the UK
Why join us
- £16.50 per hour OTE
- Flexible, casual shifts that fit around your life, study or other commitments
- Meals on shift from our kitchen
- Central Cambridge location, easy to reach by bike, bus or on foot
- Varied work across restaurant, bar, café, room service and events, so no two shifts are the same
- Room to grow across a multi-brand hospitality group including, Rusacks St Andrews, The Randolph Oxford and our Lisbon properties
- Team discounts and perks across the White Rabbit group
Apply now
If you cook with care and want casual chef work in Cambridge with a team that lives its values, apply today with your CV. We review applications on a rolling basis, so don't wait.
Graduate Cambridge is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to building a diverse, inclusive team. If you need any adjustments during the application process, just let us know.
Chef de Partie employer: White Rabbit Projects
At White Rabbit Projects, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and people-focused culture that values passion and excellence in the kitchen. As a Chef de Partie at Rusacks St Andrews, you'll not only enjoy competitive pay and delicious meals during your shifts but also benefit from a wealth of growth opportunities within our fast-growing team. Join us in celebrating Scotland's rich culinary heritage while working in a vibrant environment that encourages creativity and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef de Partie
✨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 White Rabbit Projects. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to White Rabbit Projects
Don't be shy about reaching out to White Rabbit Projects 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
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 White Rabbit Projects 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 White Rabbit Projects
✨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!
