Chef de Partie

Teaching Vacancies; Lewes; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave + bank holidays

Local Government Pension Scheme

CPD and professional development

Wellbeing benefits

onsite gym access

cycle-to-work scheme

eye tests

Job summary

Plumpton College is seeking a catering professional to join its team and support day-to-day operations across college catering outlets. You will work alongside the Head Chef and a team to prepare and serve meals, maintain cleanliness and food safety, and assist with menus for dining, events, and conferences.

The role requires City & Guilds 701/702 or equivalent, at least 2 years in a similar role, and a passion for good food. A full UK driving licence and transport are preferred.

Qualifications

• City & Guilds 701 and 702, or equivalent catering qualification
• At least 2 years’ experience in a similar role
• Strong cooking skills and experience with fresh produce
• Full UK driving licence and your own transport

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve meals to a high standard
• Support catering across a range of outlets and events
• Assist with menu preparation for student dining, functions, and conferences
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, food safety and hygiene
• Complete cleaning schedules and food temperature records
• Help minimise food waste through portion control and careful preparation
• Ensure stock is stored correctly and stock rotation procedures are followed
• Provide a polite, professional and welcoming service to students, staff and guests
• Offer cover for evenings, weekends, holiday periods and special functions when needed
• Support catering provision at One Garden Brighton when required

Skills

Cooking skills

Fresh produce

Customer service

Education

City & Guilds 701/702 or equivalent

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

his role is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys variety and can work across different catering settings to join a strong team. You will support the day-to-day operation of the College’s catering outlets, helping to prepare and serve high-quality food for students, staff and visitors.

Working alongside the Head Chef, chefs and food service assistants, you will contribute to a positive kitchen environment and help maintain high standards of food quality, hygiene and customer service.

About the role

• Prepare, cook and serve meals to a high standard
• Support catering across a range of outlets and events
• Assist with menu preparation for student dining, functions, and conferences
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, food safety and hygiene
• Complete cleaning schedules and food temperature records
• Help minimise food waste through portion control and careful preparation
• Ensure stock is stored correctly and stock rotation procedures are followed
• Provide a polite, professional and welcoming service to students, staff and guests
• Offer cover for evenings, weekends, holiday periods and special functions when needed
• Support catering provision at One Garden Brighton when required

What we are looking for

• City & Guilds 701 and 702, or an equivalent qualification and/or relevant catering, hospitality and food experience
• At least 2 years’ experience in a similar role
• Strong cooking skills and experience of working with fresh produce
• A passion for good food and high standards
• The physical ability to carry out manual handling duties
• A full UK driving licence and your own transport

It would also be helpful if you have:

• A flexible, approachable and outgoing manner
• Experience of working well under pressure
• Strong teamworking skills
• Previous supervisory experience or experience deputising for a Head Chef

About you

We are looking for someone who shares our student-focused values and is committed to equality of opportunity and creating a supportive environment for staff and students.

What the college offers its staff

• We offer a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, including 26 Days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and efficiency days. The role is eligible for the Local Government Pension Scheme, including employer contributions and life assurance. Staff also benefit from high‑quality CPD and professional development opportunities. As a Disability Confident Committed employer and signatory of the Menopause Pledge, we are proud to support an inclusive working environment.
• New colleagues benefit from a structured induction, a supported four‑month probationary period, and a strong coaching culture led by in‑house Level 5 trained coaches.
• Employees also enjoy lifestyle and wellbeing benefits, including eligibility for a TOTUM and Blue Light Card, free eye tests, free use of our onsite gym, cycle‑to‑work scheme, electric vehicle salary sacrifice, discounted Plumpton produce and courses, free onsite parking, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Our commitment to wellbeing and community is further demonstrated through active EDI and Sustainability committees, regular staff events and social activities throughout the year.

We reserve the right to interview or close the vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications.

Plumpton College is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and is dedicated to pursuing non-discriminatory policies and practices and eliminating unfair discrimination on any basis.

Plumpton is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.