Chef de Partie (1919)

The Donkey Sanctuary; Sidmouth; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

An established animal welfare organization is seeking a passionate Chef de Partie to join their award-winning restaurant team. This role offers the chance to create exceptional dishes using locally sourced ingredients while maintaining high standards of hygiene and presentation. Enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance in a beautiful location, contributing to a mission that enhances the lives of donkeys worldwide. With a supportive environment and various employee benefits, this position is perfect for culinary enthusiasts looking to make a difference in a unique setting.

Benefits

Life Assurance

31 Days Holiday

Wellbeing Team

Recorded Pilates Classes

Long Service Awards

Healthshield Plan

Free Parking

Subsidised Restaurant and Shop

Qualifications

• Experience in a busy commercial kitchen is essential.
• Level 2 Food Safety Certificate preferred; training provided.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food to high standards while minimizing waste.
• Maintain hygiene and safety standards in the kitchen.
• Assist with customer service and front of house operations.

Skills

Teamwork

Food Preparation

Food Hygiene

Time Management

Customer Service

Education

Level 2 Food Safety Certificate

Tools

Kitchen Equipment

Job description

The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys worldwide. Our vision is a world where every donkey has a good quality of life, and our mission is to improve the lives of donkeys every day. We will achieve this by transforming the lives of donkeys in need worldwide by fostering greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life-enhancing relationships.

The Chefs at our award winning restaurant, The Kitchen, are highly experienced in creating mouth-watering menus, producing food fresh onsite from ingredients that are sourced from local producers who share our ethics and commitment to sustainability. We now have an excellent opportunity for a proactive and professional individual to join our brigade as Chef de Partie. Passionate about cooking and producing great food, and looking to enjoy a fabulous work-life balance, you will assist the Senior Chef and team in preparing and serving fresh, local and in season food, maintaining a clean and safe working environment at all times.

About you:

• Experience of working in a fast-paced environment in a busy commercial kitchen.
• Level 2 Food Safety Certificate, is preferred but training will be provided.
• A true team player.
• Well organised and able to cope with varying pressures and a number of conflicting demands.

About the role:

Your principal duties and responsibilities within this varied and rewarding role will include:

• Preparing food to a high standard of quality and presentation, ensuring wastage is kept to a minimum.
• Maintaining high standards of food hygiene, adhering to all health and safety standards.
• Keeping the kitchen and related areas clean, ensuring the correct use, cleaning and maintenance of equipment, and assisting in dishwashing duties to a high standard when required.
• Assisting with storing deliveries and ensuring stock rotation.
• Performing general cleaning duties to a high standard, in accordance with the cleaning schedule.
• Assisting the Front of House operation as required, ensuring that all customers receive a warm welcome and excellent customer service.

What we offer in return:

The role is based on site at our Sidmouth location which is not easily accessible via public transport thus a current UK driving license would be desirable – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – this is a full-time, permanent contract starting as soon as possible, working 37.5 hours per week, 5 days over 7, including weekend work as part of a rota.

Please note: This role does not include split-shift working.

Life assurance.

31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 with each full year of service.

Wellbeing team.

Recorded Pilates classes.

Long service awards.

Healthshield plan:

• Reimbursement of some medical expenses up to the specified limits per membership.
• Offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel and entertainment from participating outlets.
• Access to a 24/7 GP and counselling service.

Free parking.

Subsidised restaurant and shop.

Closing date for completed applications: Wednesday 9 April 2025.

The Donkey Sanctuary is a Disability Confident Employer.

The Donkey Sanctuary is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults), and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.

Please note: The Guaranteed interview scheme is only applicable to candidates who consider themselves to have a disability applying for roles based within the United Kingdom.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: We look forward to receiving your application, but we do ask you to complete this in your own words, and not to employ an Artificial Intelligence (AI) writing tool or assistant. Applications that are considered not to be an applicant’s own work may not be shortlisted for interview.