Commis Chef

John Lewis Partnership; Cookham; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a vibrant catering team as a Commis Chef at a historic hotel by the River Thames. This role offers a unique opportunity to showcase your culinary skills while working under experienced chefs. With a focus on quality and creativity, you'll help deliver exceptional dining experiences in a beautiful setting. The position comes with a competitive salary and the chance to grow your career in a supportive, employee-owned environment. If you are passionate about food and eager to develop your skills, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Relevant chef qualifications and experience in a professional kitchen.
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain food safety compliance.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and delivering the hotel food offer.
• Maintain compliance with food safety policies and procedures.

Skills

Professional cookery qualifications

Ability to work under pressure

Creative approach to cooking

Good communication skills

Education

City & Guilds diplomas in professional cookery

BTEC HNC in professional cookery

City & Guilds 706 1 and 2 or NVQ equivalent

Tools

Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2

Job description

About the role

Our Commis Chef operates as a valued member of our talented Catering team, demonstrating a real passion for food and being motivated to invent, produce, and present quality dishes in accordance with our hotel offer.

We work to a high standard and as a key part of the team, you'll comply with all food safety policies, procedures, and practices, which are essential when working in catering.

You'll be working under the direction of the Head/Sous Chef, but there will also be opportunities for you to work independently, giving you responsibility and experience to develop your career.

Salary

The full-time (37.5 hour) salary range for this role is £24,400 to £31,000; however, the expected salary is £28,800 - £37,200 based on a 45-hour week that we are currently recruiting for.

Contract type

This position is a Permanent contract.

Location

This role is based at our Odney Hotel.

Key responsibilities

As a Commis Chef, you'll typically be responsible for:

• Assisting the Head Chef & Sous Chef to plan, produce, and deliver the hotel food offer and agreed food presentation standards, in line with current trends and customer demand.
• Working under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Meeting all legislative requirements for the Catering environment, including allergens.
• Maintaining compliance through records of equipment, cleaning schedules, temperature checks, and following all food safety policies.

Essential skills/experience you’ll need

• Relevant professional chef qualifications: City & Guilds diplomas in professional cookery, BTEC HNC in professional cookery, or proven experience in the Kitchen/Chef industry.
• A creative approach with a professional demeanor, ability to work under pressure, demonstrating flair and a good palette, with experience in a professional kitchen.

Desirable skills/experience you may have

• City & Guilds 706 1 and 2 or NVQ equivalent.
• Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2.
• Good communication skills and P.C. literacy.

About Odney

If you are looking for a hotel with character and history, then The Odney Hotel, our Place by the River, could be for you. This beautiful and unique John Lewis Partnership-owned hotel is set in 130 acres by the River Thames in Cookham, Berkshire, offering both charm and character to our guests.

The guests can stay in one of five historic houses on the site, with access to picturesque grounds, including a private river stretch, water gardens, a pool, and sports facilities. The main building, Lullebrook Manor, is believed to have inspired the classic novel The Wind in The Willows, adding historical significance along with relaxation.

Relaxation options include our Serenity Spa with beauty treatments and massages, afternoon tea on the terrace, a bar, or a meal overlooking the river.

About The Partnership

We’re the largest employee-owned business in the UK, home to John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees; we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. There’s never been a more exciting time to join us.

We focus on retail excellence, innovating, adapting, and diversifying. We are committed to value, quality, and service in John Lewis, and passionate about serving food lovers in Waitrose.

As Partners, we share ownership and rewards, contributing to our success through our voices, working together with kindness and respect.

We foster an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves and thrive, growing individually and collectively.

Important points to note:

Some roles may require pre-employment vetting, including DBS checks. If applicable, you will be informed during the recruitment process. We encourage prompt completion of any vetting documents to avoid delays. DBS checks will be carried out by a registered third-party body, and financial probity checks may also be required.

We recommend applying early, as vacancies may close early if we receive a high volume of applications.

We support flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance, including flexible or compressed hours, job sharing, or shorter contracts. Please discuss this during your interview.