Lead Chef de Partie – Pre-Opening Kitchen Leader

Delano Hotels; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pre-opening theatre

Leadership development

Cross‑department exposure

Global brand culture

Employee hotel stays & experiences

Job summary

Delano London seeks a hands-on Chef de Partie to drive excellence in a high-profile pre-opening kitchen. You’ll lead a section, ensure mise en place, and uphold Delano’s standards for quality, presentation and consistency.

Collaborating closely with the Executive Head Chef and wider culinary team, you’ll mentor Demi Chefs and Commis Chefs while helping shape the kitchen culture and service during this exciting launch phase.

Qualifications

• Experience as Chef de Partie in a quality restaurant, luxury hotel or high-volume kitchen.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques and plating.
• Mediterranean/Portuguese cuisine experience is a real plus.
• Able to lead and train Demi Chefs and Commis Chefs.
• Excellent mise en place, timing and kitchen organisation.
• Solid understanding of HACCP, allergens and food safety.
• Awareness of portion control, food cost and waste reduction.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of your assigned section, ensuring preparation, organisation, service delivery and food quality.
• Prepare, cook and present dishes to Delano standards, following recipes and plating guidelines.
• Lead by example and maintain a calm, professional kitchen environment.
• Guide and develop Demi Chefs and Commis Chefs assigned to you.
• Collaborate with Executive Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef and Sous Chef for pre-opening operations.
• Ensure mise en place and production requirements are ready before service.
• Maintain high standards of quality, freshness, presentation and timing.
• Support menu tastings, recipe development and training sessions.
• Establish and maintain recipes, prep lists and section standards.
• Coordinate with Pastry, Stewarding, Front of House and other departments.
• Assist with stock control, ordering, storage and waste reduction.
• Comply with food safety, allergen management and health & safety policies.
• Remain flexible to support events, room service and private dining as needed.

Skills

Chef de Partie experience

Food preparation

Mediterranean/Portuguese cuisine

Mise en place

Team leadership

Food safety & HACCP

Portion control & cost awareness

Calm under pressure

Flexible weekend availability

Training Demi/Commis Chefs

Job description

Delano London seeks a hands-on Chef de Partie to drive excellence in a high-profile pre-opening kitchen. You’ll lead a section, ensure mise en place, and uphold Delano’s standards for quality, presentation and consistency.

Collaborating closely with the Executive Head Chef and wider culinary team, you’ll mentor Demi Chefs and Commis Chefs while helping shape the kitchen culture and service during this exciting launch phase.