Chef de partie

Chef de PartieWellington College, Crowthorne, Berkshire, RG45 7PU40 Hours per Week | 5 Days out of 7 | Term Time OnlyCompetitive Salary Excellent Benefits PackageJoin One of the UK's Most Prestigious Independent SchoolsSet 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 RoleAs 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 Cafécontinues 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 ResponsibilitiesPrepare and cook high-quality food for large-scale service operations serving up to 900 customers dailyDeliver exceptional food presentation standards across plated dining, retail, and hospitality servicesSupport the continued growth and success of the V&A Café retail operationEnsure all food is prepared and served in accordance with allergen legislation and dietary requirementsMaintain excellent knowledge of food temperatures, HACCP procedures, food safety, and compliance standardsAssist with stock management, stock rotation, ordering, deliveries, and inventory controlEnsure storage areas are maintained to the highest standards of food safety and cleanlinessMonitor food quality, portion control, and waste reduction initiativesSupport hospitality events, special functions, and occasional evening servicesAssist with menu development and retail food concepts that drive customer engagement and revenue growthMaintain exceptional kitchen hygiene standards and support audit readiness at all timesWork collaboratively with the wider catering team to deliver an outstanding customer experienceWhat We're Looking ForEssentialPrevious experience as a Chef de Partie or similar role within a high-volume catering environmentExperience of large-batch cooking and food productionStrong understanding of food safety, HACCP, allergens, and dietary requirementsExcellent organisational skills and attention to detailAbility to perform effectively during busy service periodsExperience managing stock, deliveries, and food storage proceduresPassion for food quality, presentation, and customer serviceLevel 2 Food Safety Certificate or equivalentHighly DesirableExperience within independent schools, universities, hospitality venues, hotels, or contract cateringRetail catering or commercial food operation experienceHospitality and event catering experienceExperience working in customer-facing food environmentsCommercial awareness and understanding of food sales and revenue generationWorking Pattern40 hours per week5 days out of 7Term Time OnlyOccasional evening and weekend work may be required to support hospitality functions and special eventsOvertime opportunities availableThis 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.