Chef de Partie - Newbury, Berkshire

Houston & Hawkes; Newbury; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Birthday off every year

Enhanced parental leave

Free meals on duty

Contributory pension scheme

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

CODE Hospitality membership

Summer Awards Party

Christmas Party

Job summary

Houston & Hawkes is seeking a Chef de Partie to join our kitchen team in Newbury. You will take ownership of your section, prepare and present fresh, high-quality dishes, and work closely with Head Chef to maintain excellent standards.

The role offers a Monday to Friday schedule with a strong emphasis on work-life balance, supportive team culture, and opportunities for skill development in a dynamic client-site environment.

Qualifications

• Experience as Chef de Partie or Demi Chef de Partie ready for next step.
• Strong foundation in kitchen skills and food preparation.
• Good understanding of food safety, hygiene and allergen control.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present fresh, high-quality dishes for daily service.
• Take ownership of your section and keep it organized for service.
• Work with Head Chef and Sous Chef to maintain high food standards.
• Support menu development and contribute ideas for seasonal dishes.
• Maintain flavour, consistency and presentation of dishes.
• Keep your section stocked, clean and organized during prep and service.
• Monitor portion control, stock rotation and waste.
• Support hospitality and special dietary requirements as needed.
• Collaborate with kitchen and front-of-house teams.
• Ensure food safety and hygiene standards are met.

Skills

Chef de Partie experience

Kitchen basics

Food safety

Allergen handling

Time management

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

Houston & Hawkes | Newbury | 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday Houston & Hawkes is looking for a talented Chef de Partie to join our kitchen team at a fantastic new client site in Newbury. This is a brilliant opportunity for a chef who enjoys cooking fresh, vibrant food, takes pride in quality and presentation, and wants the work-life balance of a Monday to Friday role. You'll work as part of a supportive kitchen team, taking ownership of your section and helping to deliver an excellent daily food offer. We're looking for someone with strong kitchen foundations, plenty of enthusiasm and a genuine desire to keep developing as a chef.

• Prepare, cook and present fresh, high-quality dishes for the daily food service
• Take ownership of your section and ensure it is organised and ready for service
• Work closely with the Head Chef and Sous Chef to maintain excellent food standards
• Support menu preparation and contribute ideas for seasonal dishes and new food concepts
• Use fresh ingredients with care, maintaining excellent flavour, consistency and presentation
• Keep your section fully stocked, clean and organised throughout preparation and service
• Monitor portion control, stock rotation and food waste
• Support hospitality and special food requirements when needed
• Work collaboratively with the wider kitchen and front-of-house teams
• Maintain excellent food safety, allergen, hygiene and health and safety standards
• Previous experience as a Chef de Partie or a strong Demi Chef de Partie ready for the next step
• A genuine passion for fresh food and high-quality cooking
• Strong practical kitchen skills and confidence running your own section
• Good organisation and the ability to work calmly during busy service
• Excellent attention to detail and pride in presentation
• A positive, reliable and hands‑on approach
• A strong team mentality and willingness to learn from experienced chefs
• Contract catering experience would be an advantage, but is not essential
• A genuine desire to develop your skills and progress your culinary career
• Monday to Friday
• The opportunity to join an exciting new client contract in Newbury
• A supportive kitchen team and excellent opportunity to develop
• Birthday off every year
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Free meals on duty
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• CODE Hospitality membership
• Ongoing learning, development and genuine career progression
• Summer Awards Party celebrating our people and achievements
• An unforgettable Christmas Party at one of London's outstanding venues

ABOUT HOUSTON & HAWKES

Houston & Hawkes is an award‑winning independent caterer creating vibrant, creative and exceptional food and hospitality experiences across some of the UK's most prestigious client sites. We're a Certified B Corp, recipient of the King's Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2026 and proud to be ranked No. 14 in The Caterer's Best Places to Work in Hospitality. If you are a passionate Chef de Partie who loves fresh food and wants to be part of an exciting new team in Newbury, we would love to hear from you.