Chef de Partie

ActivateUTS; Sydney; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free gym membership

Daily meal allowance

Job summary

ActivateUTS is seeking a skilled Chef de Partie to lead hands-on food preparation across multiple venues on campus. You will work under the Sous Chef, manage a section during service, and help mentor junior kitchen staff in a busy event environment.

The role requires a Cert III in Commercial Cookery, at least 2 years in a commercial kitchen, strong food safety knowledge, and reliable, independent teamwork. Evenings and weekends are part of the roster, with opportunities to contribute to

Qualifications

• Certificate III or higher in Commercial Cookery.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in a commercial kitchen, ideally in a function or events setting.
• Strong understanding of food hygiene, WHS and kitchen safety practices.
• Reliable and able to work independently within a team.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Flexible availability, including evenings and weekends.
• Completion of mandatory food handling and allergen awareness training before commencing work.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook menu items to a high standard in accordance with event requirements and kitchen procedures.
• Manage assigned kitchen section(s) efficiently during service periods.
• Support mise en place for daily functions, events and café operations.
• Assist in the presentation and plating of food to consistent standards.
• Maintain portion control and food quality standards.
• Assist with stock rotation and minimise food waste through careful preparation and storage.
• Collaborate with the Sous Chef, Café Head Chef and wider kitchen team.
• Assist in training and mentoring junior kitchen staff when required.
• Maintain effective communication with team members and front‑of‑house staff to support smooth service delivery.
• Contribute to a positive, respectful and inclusive kitchen culture.
• Ensure kitchen cleanliness and food safety standards are maintained at all times.
• Follow WHS protocols and promptly report hazards or incidents.
• Participate in safety briefings and training sessions.
• Maintain safe work practices and correct use of equipment.
• Support sustainability and low‑waste kitchen practices.

Skills

Commercial Cookery

Teamwork

Time management

Food safety

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Job description

About The Role

The Chef de Partie plays an important hands‑on role in the daily operations of ActivateUTS hospitality venues. This position is responsible for delivering high‑quality, consistent food preparation and service across designated kitchen sections while supporting junior team members in a fast‑paced event and function environment. The role may be rostered across ActivateUTS hospitality venues, including Aerial Function Centre, Terrace Café, and The Loft & Underground Bar, depending on operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Service

• Prepare and cook menu items to a high standard in accordance with event requirements and kitchen procedures.
• Manage assigned kitchen section(s) efficiently during service periods.
• Support mise en place for daily functions, events and café operations.
• Assist in the presentation and plating of food to consistent standards.
• Maintain portion control and food quality standards.
• Assist with stock rotation and minimise food waste through careful preparation and storage.

Teamwork & Communication

• Collaborate with the Sous Chef, Café Head Chef and wider kitchen team.
• Assist in training and mentoring junior kitchen staff when required.
• Maintain effective communication with team members and front‑of‑house staff to support smooth service delivery.
• Contribute to a positive, respectful and inclusive kitchen culture.

Hygiene, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure kitchen cleanliness and food safety standards are maintained at all times.
• Follow WHS protocols and promptly report hazards or incidents.
• Participate in safety briefings and training sessions.
• Maintain safe work practices and correct use of equipment.
• Support sustainability and low‑waste kitchen practices.

About You

You are an experienced hospitality professional with strong commercial cookery knowledge and a commitment to delivering quality food and service. You work well both independently and as part of a team, maintain high standards of food safety and kitchen operations, and thrive in fast‑paced hospitality, events and function environments.

Essential Criteria

• Certificate III or higher in Commercial Cookery.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in a commercial kitchen, ideally in a function or events setting.
• Strong understanding of food hygiene, WHS and kitchen safety practices.
• Reliable and able to work independently within a team.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Flexible availability, including evenings and weekends.
• Completion of mandatory food handling and allergen awareness training before commencing work.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in large-scale catering or functions.
• Interest in career progression within hospitality.
• Food Safety Supervisor certification.
• Awareness of sustainable kitchen operations.
• First Aid certification.

Our Values

Passion: Our heart is in everything we do. We bring energy and enthusiasm to every project, driving a positive culture and creating memorable experiences.

Growth: Our potential knows no bounds. We continuously seek innovative ways to improve and enhance our services, meeting our community's evolving needs.

Collaboration: Our strength lies in unity. We collaborate internally and work closely with students, UTS, clients, and partners to create unified and engaging outcomes.

Trust: Our word is our bond. We build strong relationships through honest, transparent, and ethical practices.

Inclusion: Everyone has a seat at our table. We celebrate diverse backgrounds, ideas, and perspectives, fostering a welcoming community where everyone feels valued.

Why Join Us

Be part of a dynamic, inclusive organisation at the heart of UTS, supporting student growth and campus life.

• A collaborative and supportive team environment
• Opportunities to work across multiple hospitality venues and events
• Free gym membership and daily meal allowance
• A fun, inclusive team culture

Life at ActivateUTS

• 190 student clubs and societies (22,000+ memberships)
• Major campus events including O'Day and O'Fest
• Sports programs supporting 350+ student-athletes
• Food and beverage venues, a commercial function centre, and ActivateFit - the on-campus gym

Learn more at activateuts.com.au

Follow us: @activateuts | @activatefit.gym | @theloftuts | @undergrounduts | @aerialutsfunctioncentre | @theutsstore

Applications Close

Applications close: 1 October 2026.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. We encourage early applications, as interviews may commence prior to the closing date and the advertisement may close earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.