Chef De Partie

John Lewis Partnership; Cookham Rise; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading employee-owned business in Cookham is looking for a skilled chef to manage kitchen operations, train staff, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. The ideal candidate will possess professional chef qualifications and a strong customer-focused approach. This role offers a permanent contract with 45 hours of work per week at a historic hotel by the River Thames.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working arrangements

Access to hotel amenities

Qualifications

• Understanding of HACCP.
• Self-motivated and industrious.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide a consistently outstanding customer experience.
• Train and develop kitchen team members.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

Skills

HACCP understanding

Food safety policy enforcement

Self-motivated

Influencing and coaching

Creativity

Organizational skills

Team player

Customer-focused approach

Education

Professional chef qualifications (City & Guilds, BTEC HNC)

Tools

Food safety certifications

Job description

Apply on JLP Jobs - the official careers website for John Lewis Partnership, John Lewis & Partners, and Waitrose & Partners.

About the role

To work as part of the Kitchen team to produce and deliver the hotel food offer – taking responsibility for the kitchen in the absence of the Head and Sous chef. To add value to the efficient and profitable running of the kitchen in order to achieve your business and personal objectives, along with those of your team and the hotel.

Contract details

• Contract type: This position is a Permanent contract.
• Working pattern: 45 hours per week, earliest start 6 am, latest finish 9 pm, straight shifts, weekend on a rota basis.
• Location: This role is based at our Odney Club, Cookham.

Key responsibilities

• Provide a consistently outstanding customer experience as a brand ambassador.
• Train and develop chefs and kitchen porters, including fishmongery and butchery.
• Assist the Head Chef & Sous Chef in planning, producing, and delivering the hotel food offer and presentation standards, aligned with current trends and customer demand.
• Ensure compliance with all legislative requirements, including allergens.
• Manage food offer availability and support the front of house team to upsell, achieving sales targets.
• Perform daily compliance checks: record updates, fridge temperatures, cleaning schedules, chemical use, PPE, H&S, business dress, and food safety policies.
• Act in accordance with the Partnership’s purpose and principles, participating in co-ownership and demonstrating transparency and honesty.
• Invest in personal and professional development to maximize potential and contribute actively to the profession.
• Value diverse life experiences to enhance unbiased and smarter decision-making.

Essential skills/experience

• Understanding of HACCP.
• Ability to interpret and enforce food safety policies and health and safety regulations.
• Self-motivated and industrious.
• Skilled influencer, motivator, and coach.
• Creativity and flair.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Team player.
• Productivity-focused mindset.
• Mental agility.
• Customer-focused approach.
• Relevant professional chef qualifications: City & Guilds diplomas, BTEC HNC, or equivalent.

Desirable skills/experience

• Food Safety Level 3 certification.

We are located at The Odney Hotel, a unique and historic John Lewis Partnership-owned hotel set on 130 acres by the River Thames in Cookham, Berkshire. It offers character, charm, and a range of luxurious amenities, including private river access, water gardens, a pool, and sports facilities. Guests can stay in historic houses or Airbnb accommodations, enjoying the scenic grounds and various leisure options.

The partnership

We’re the largest employee-owned business in the UK, home to John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re committed to building a happier world, focusing on retail excellence, innovation, and service. As Partners, we share ownership responsibilities and rewards, contributing to our collective success and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Note: Some roles may require pre-employment vetting, including DBS checks and financial probity checks. We encourage prompt application as vacancies may close early due to high interest. We support flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance; discuss options with the hiring manager during your interview.