Kitchen Captain: Lead, Train and Deliver Exceptional Dishes

JOHN LEWIS; Cookham; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

John Lewis Partnership in the United Kingdom is seeking a Chef De Partie to join our hotel kitchen brigade, ensuring efficient daily operations and consistently high guest experience for Partners and their guests.

Working 45 hours per week with early starts (06:00) and late finishes (21:30) across 5 days, including weekends, you’ll help maintain exceptional presentation standards and contribute to a supportive kitchen team culture.

Qualifications

• Relevant professional chef qualifications (e.g., City & Guilds, BTEC HNC)
• Ability to train and develop junior chefs and kitchen porters
• Deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced environment while upholding hygiene standards
• Foster teamwork and mutual respect within the kitchen
• Strong decision-making to resolve issues quickly

Responsibilities

• Assisting Head and Sous Chef to plan and deliver food offering
• Train and develop junior chefs and kitchen porters
• Ensure allergen management and food safety compliance
• Perform daily compliance checks (fridge temps, cleaning schedules, PPE)
• Assist in kitchen operations when senior chefs are absent
• Help achieve sales targets by managing food availability and upselling knowledge
• Manage food orders to minimise waste and maximise margins
• Represent the Partnership and provide outstanding guest experiences

Skills

Instruct kitchen team

Hygiene & safety standards

Allergen management

Decision-making

Education

City & Guilds diploma in professional cookery

BTEC HNC in professional cookery

Level 3 Food Safety qualification

Job description

John Lewis Partnership in the United Kingdom is seeking a Chef De Partie to join our hotel kitchen brigade, ensuring efficient daily operations and consistently high guest experience for Partners and their guests.

Working 45 hours per week with early starts (06:00) and late finishes (21:30) across 5 days, including weekends, you’ll help maintain exceptional presentation standards and contribute to a supportive kitchen team culture.