Senior Chef de Partie

Woodhead Restaurant Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodhead Restaurant Group’s Portland in Fitzrovia is seeking a Senior Chef de Partie to lead a section with ownership from prep to service, setting benchmark standards in organisation and execution. You will uphold Michelin-level quality and mentor junior chefs in a fast‑paced, quality kitchen in London.

You’ll work with seasonal British produce, refine techniques and contribute to a positive, professional kitchen culture within a respected London hospitality group.

Qualifications

• Run a busy section independently, calmly and consistently.
• Excellent organisation and mise en place; the section should be an example for others.
• Strong technical ability and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain standards and urgency under pressure.
• Support and guide less experienced chefs, setting a good example.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Passion for seasonal, ingredient-led cooking.
• Curiosity and desire to learn and improve.
• Strong leadership through personal standards.

Responsibilities

• Running your section confidently and independently, maintaining control and high standards throughout preparation and service
• Setting the benchmark for section organisation, preparation, cleanliness and execution
• Preparing and presenting dishes consistently to Michelin-level standards
• Anticipating what your section needs and staying ahead rather than reacting during service
• Working with outstanding seasonal British produce and developing strong product knowledge
• Supporting and guiding junior chefs, providing feedback and helping them develop good habits
• Communicating clearly with senior chefs and the wider kitchen team
• Taking responsibility when something isn't right and helping find solutions
• Contributing to a positive, professional and ambitious kitchen culture

Skills

Section leadership

Organisation

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication

Seasonal cooking

Learning mindset

Job description

Portland is a vibrant, one Michelin star restaurant serving high quality, ingredient led food in Fitzrovia. We take a modern approach to hospitality, working with amazing seasonal produce and nurturing an incredibly talented team. We are proud of our reputation as a great employer and want to work with our team members to build fulfilling and rewarding hospitality careers.

The Role

As a Senior Chef de Partie, you'll be one of the strongest section chefs in the kitchen and set the example for how a section should be run.

You’ll take full ownership of your section - from preparation and organisation through to execution and close-down - demonstrating the standards, consistency and attention to detail we expect from the wider kitchen team. You’ll be someone junior chefs can look to as an example of excellent organisation, technique and professionalism.

• Running your section confidently and independently, maintaining control and high standards throughout preparation and service
• Setting the benchmark for section organisation, preparation, cleanliness and execution
• Preparing and presenting dishes consistently to Michelin-level standards
• Anticipating what your section needs and staying ahead rather than reacting during service
• Working with outstanding seasonal British produce and developing strong product knowledge
• Supporting and guiding junior chefs, providing feedback and helping them develop good habits
• Communicating clearly with senior chefs and the wider kitchen team
• Taking responsibility when something isn't right and helping find solutions
• Contributing to a positive, professional and ambitious kitchen culture

With regularly changing menus, every season brings new ingredients, techniques and opportunities to continue developing your craft.

About You

We're looking for someone who is already a very strong section chef and takes genuine pride in how their section operates.

You’ll Ideally Have

• Previous experience as a Senior Chef de Partie or strong Chef de Partie in a quality restaurant or fine-dining kitchen
• The ability to run a busy section independently, calmly and consistently
• Excellent organisation and mise en place — your section should be an example for others
• Strong technical ability and attention to detail
• The ability to maintain standards and urgency even under pressure
• A natural willingness to support, guide and set an example for less experienced chefs
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• A passion for seasonal, ingredient-led cooking
• Curiosity and a genuine desire to continue learning and improving

Strong Chef de Parties who are ready to take the next step are also encouraged to apply.

Above all, we’re looking for someone who leads through their own standards. You don't need to be a manager, but you should be someone others naturally look to for an example of how to prepare, organise and run a section properly.

Above all else we prize a positive attitude eagerness to learn and people who enjoy and take pride in their work.

Why Woodhead?

At Woodhead Restaurant Group we are proud of our reputation as a leading hospitality employer. In 2025 we were voted one of Code Hospitality's happiest places to work. We treat our employees as individuals, and encourage them to take ownership of our independent sites. With a culture based on honesty, respect and development, we are determined to reward our team for the hard work they put into making our restaurants so brilliant and set our people up for long and successful careers with us.

Our internal training is some of the best around and we'll always work with you towards development and progression. We have a considered and impactful perks package and are dedicated to creating an environment that gets the best out of our people. Our daily briefings are some of the best around (as is our staff food).

About Us

Woodhead Restaurant Group comprises 5 restaurants, all located in London.

We started with one restaurant (Portland in 2015) and added a few more into the fold over the last few years, driven by the talent of our teams rather than any grand expansion strategy.

The Woodhead Restaurant Group is an equal opportunities employer. Our aim is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams. We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to join us, and to be themselves at work. If you would like to read our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy, please ask and we will be happy to share it with you