Chef de partie

Chef de Partie Wellington College, Crowthorne, Berkshire, RG45 7PU 40 Hours per Week | 5 Days out of 7 | Term Time Only Competitive Salary Excellent Benefits Package Join One of the UK's Most Prestigious Independent Schools Set within 400 acres of stunning Berkshire countryside, 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 that often feels more akin to a university than a school. 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. Whilst much of the day-to-day operation is structured and preparation-focused, service periods can be extremely fast-paced, requiring excellent organisation, communication, and the ability to perform under pressure. Working alongside experienced chefs and hospitality professionals , you will help deliver restaurant-quality food, plated meal services, hospitality events, and retail offerings to students, staff, visitors, and guests. 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. This version will attract stronger hospitality, hotel, university, contract catering and premium education candidates because it positions Wellington as a prestigious hospitality-led operation rather than simply a school kitchen.