Chef de Partie

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A public university in Reading is seeking a Chef de Partie to join their team. The ideal candidate will support the kitchen in preparing high-quality meals, assist in training aspiring chefs, and uphold cleanliness and safety standards. Qualifications include City and Guilds Level 2 in Hospitality and Catering or equivalent experience. This full-time, permanent position plays a key role in enhancing campus dining experiences.

Qualifications

• Experience across a wide range of hospitality settings.
• Keen interest in food.
• Understanding of ingredients.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present food to high standards.
• Assist with training of junior members.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and HACCP standards.
• Collaborate with other kitchen teams.

Skills

Customer service focus

Ability to work under pressure

Food preparation knowledge

Education

City and Guilds Hospitality and Catering - Level 2

Job description

Overview

Chef de Partie — Full time, Permanent

Closing date: 23:59 on 16th November 2025

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. The successful candidate(s) will have to ensure that they have the right to work in the UK or be able to secure this through another means without the sponsorship of the University. Further information about sponsorship is available on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

About the role

We are different so forget any ideas of what you think we do… We are looking for a Chef de Partie who shares our passion for great food to join us on our journey to create the best campus food experience. This post is a mid-level post within our team and will involve working with our Aspiring Chef team. This post will help develop any aspiring chefs core skills and future progression within the team.

We are committed to the 24 Principles of Menus of Change, guiding our thinking around nutrition and sustainability. We are the first European Member of the Menus of Change Universities Research Collaborative (MCURC). MCURC is a group of 70 like-minded Universities committed to using academic and operational research to improve the health of individuals and the planet.

Find out more about working in Hospitality in a University - https://youtu.be/r97ujErXPS8?feature=shared

The University operates three teams of Chefs, each reporting to a Head Chef covering our Hotel, Cafes, Bars, Event Catering and large Dining Halls. Staff regularly move between teams to ensure professional development.

Responsibilities

• Support the kitchen team by preparing and presenting food to a high standard in line with menu and brand standards.
• Assist with the development and training of junior team members, particularly aspiring chefs, to build core skills and future progression.
• Maintain cleanliness and HACCP standards in the kitchen and contribute to a safe, efficient working environment.
• Work collaboratively with other kitchen teams and departments as required to deliver excellent hospitality experience.

Qualifications

• City and Guilds Hospitality and Catering - Level 2 (7132) or equivalent experience across a wide range of hospitality settings
• Keen interest in food, understanding of food preparation and knowledge of ingredients
• Excellent customer service focus
• Ability to remain cheerful and calm under pressure

Additional information

We do not consider applications from individuals who do not have the right to work in the UK for this position.

All applications must be made via the University website.

Interview: To Be Confirmed

Contacts

Contact Name: Karlene Gaskell

Contact Job Title: Executive Chef

Contact Email address: [e-mail]

Equality, diversity and inclusion

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.