Chef De Partie (Hot Western Food)

We are seeking a reliable and skilled Chef de Partie (Hot Western Food) to join our kitchen brigade. The role is suited to individuals who are passionate about hot food cookery, enjoy working within a team and take pride in consistency, presentation and food safety. This position is open to applicants from all backgrounds and is gender neutral.

Key responsibilities for Chef de Partie (Hot Western Food)

• Prepare and produce a range of hot Western dishes to menu specifications, including mains, sides, sauces and daily specials, ensuring consistency of portioning, flavour and presentation during service periods.

• Operate the hot section under the direction of the Head Chef and Sous Chef, maintaining high standards of production, timing and finish.

• Manage mise en place for the hot section, prepare components in advance (stocks, sauces, braises, roasts and vegetable preparations) and ensure timely delivery of dishes to the pass for service.

• Execute cooking techniques such as grilling, pan-frying, roasting, sautéing and poaching to bring dishes to specification and support consistency across shifts.

• Monitor food quality, portion control and shelf-life of chilled and hot-holding products, control waste and report any issues to senior kitchen staff.

• Follow recipes, plating standards and presentation guidelines to meet brand and dietary requirements, including allergen awareness and accurate labelling of pre-prepared items.

• Support menu development, specials and daily prep tasks; contribute ideas to improve efficiency, cost control and guest satisfaction.

• Assist in training and development of commis chefs and kitchen trainees on hot-cookery techniques, supervising practical work and offering constructive feedback.

• Ensure all dishes leaving the hot section meet food safety, allergen and dietary requirements, following stock rotation, correct storage and ordering procedures.

• Maintain and clean workstations, hot equipment, utensils and serviceware to required hygiene standards, participating in kitchen deep-clean schedules.

• Work collaboratively with cold kitchen colleagues and front-of-house teams to manage service flow and accommodate special requests or dietary needs.

• Adhere to health and safety, COSHH and HACCP procedures at all times and participate in regular training and audits.

Required skills and experience for Chef de Partie (Hot Western Food)

• Previous experience working on a hot section within a busy commercial, hospitality or contract catering environment.

• Strong classical cookery skills with practical knowledge of protein cookery, sauce making, vegetable and starch preparation and finishing techniques.

• Ability to work accurately and quickly under pressure while maintaining standards of quality, finish and cleanliness.

• Awareness of food safety, hygiene and allergen management with practical experience of HACCP or similar systems.

• Good teamworking skills, clear verbal communication and willingness to take direction and support colleagues.

• Physically able to work on your feet for long periods, perform manual handling tasks and work in hot kitchen environments.

• Basic numeracy and stock control experience for portioning, cost control and inventory tasks.

• Willingness to work flexible hours including early starts, evenings, weekends and occasional bank holidays.

Qualifications and certifications preferred

• Culinary qualification (NVQ, City & Guilds, diploma or equivalent) or equivalent practical experience in hot cookery.

• Food hygiene certificate (Level 2 or above) and up-to-date allergen awareness training.

• Further qualifications in specialist cookery, butchery or supervisory training desirable.

Working hours, salary and benefits

• Full-time hours; shift patterns include early starts, evenings, weekends and bank holidays in line with operational needs.

• Competitive salary dependent on experience and skills, with opportunities for overtime where applicable.

• Benefits may include pension contributions, staff meals, training and development, career progression and travel allowances where applicable.

How to apply — Chef de Partie (Hot Western Food) recruitment information

Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are suited to the Chef de Partie (Hot Western Food) role. Include contact details for two referees. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial telephone interview, followed by a practical kitchen assessment and face-to-face interview where applicable.

Equal opportunities and safer recruitment

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We operate safer recruitment practices and all offers of employment are conditional on satisfactory references, background checks and compliance with our safeguarding and food safety policies.

Keywords: chef de partie, hot kitchen, Western cuisine, cook, HACCP, food hygiene, catering, kitchen brigade, culinary.