Chef de Partie

Downing College; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Downing College is seeking a Chef de Partie to join a friendly team of chefs responsible for a range of high-quality dishes, including fine dining for the College community and commercial guests.

The role is permanent and full-time, 37.5 hours per week, with a two-week shift rota that includes weekends and evenings. NVQ Level 2/3 in Catering or equivalent and a Food Hygiene certificate are required. Salary £33,995.43 per annum.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2/3 in Catering or equivalent.
• Certificate in Food Hygiene.
• Relevant experience gained in a busy commercial environment.
• Excellent culinary skills.
• Good understanding of current Food Safety and Health & Safety legislation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present a range of high-quality dishes for the College community and commercial guests.
• Maintain high standards of food preparation and presentation using classical and modern techniques.
• Support the kitchen team and contribute to a positive, collaborative work environment.

Skills

Culinary skills

Food safety awareness

Teamwork

Education

NVQ Level 2/3 in Catering or equivalent

Certificate in Food Hygiene

Job description

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Information for the role of Chef de Partie

Salary £33,995.43 per annum

Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

(working on a 2-week shift rota, including weekends and evenings)

An excellent opportunity for a Chef de Partie to be part of our friendly team of chefs dedicated to preparing a range of high-quality dishes, including fine dining for the College community and our commercial guests. In this role you will ensure the highest possible standards of food preparation and presentation, showcasing both classical and modern culinary techniques. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to extend their skills and learn additional techniques from our experienced chefs.

To be considered for this role, you will need to have:

• An NVQ Level 2/3 in Catering or equivalent
• A Certificate in Food Hygiene
• Relevant experience gained in a busy commercial environment
• Excellent culinary skills
• A good understanding of current Food Safety and relevant Health & Safety legislation

Please view the attached job description and person specification above for more details.

Details of the role

The role of Chef de Partie is a permanent full-time position. The working hours are 37.5 hours per week, with a 30-minute break each day, allocated according to a two-week shift rota (including evenings & weekends).

The salary for this role is £ 33,995.43 per annum (Step 40 on the College Salary Scale).

In addition to the salary, we offer an attractive benefits package. Please see the advert attachment above for a full list. (Please note that these benefits are non-contractual and may be amended or withdrawn at our discretion.)

Closing date: Midday on 17 September 2026.

Please note that the closing date for this post may be brought forward if there is a high volume of applicants.

Applications are welcomed from a broad range of backgrounds. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.

Applicants who declare a disability will be offered an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for the job.

We are pleased to be able offer this document in an accessible format. Please contact HR ([e-mail] ) if you wish to receive this advert and role profile or an application form in a different, accessible format, e.g. large print.

For further information or in event of queries, please contact the HR Office: