About West Dean

West Dean is an inspirational arts, design and conservation college based in the beautiful South Downs just north of Chichester.  We also have one of the greatest historic gardens, open to the public year around, and a vibrant village shop and tea room.

We have several food service outlets across West Dean, operating 7 days a week, serving seasonal food to our diverse range of students, visitors and guests.  Our working hours are straight shifts between 6.30am and 9pm, depending which food outlet you are in.  We offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, menus are pre planned, and created to utilise the produce grown and reared on the West Dean Estate.

We strive to deliver food, which is wholesome, seasonal, and sustainable by growing our own produce, working closely with local suppliers, using different types of food preservation, and reducing our food waste.  If you want to be part of a company that is really trying to make a difference, get in touch.

The Role

We are recruiting for a full time, permanent Chef de Partie to join our Kitchen team.

We are looking for an experienced, self-motivated, and enthusiastic person, to assist in the day to day running of the kitchen, preparing, cooking and presenting dishes to a high standard. Main duties include:

• Ensuring the timely provision of high quality and optimum quantities of food from the kitchen, relevant to the shift, for students, staff, and visitors, as directed by the Head Chef/Sous Chef.
• Initiating and overseeing the production of all meals produced during the shift, and in preparation for other shifts.
• Supervising the activities of the Commis Chefs, Kitchen Assistant & Kitchen Porters during the shift.
• Always Ensuring adherence to the organisation’s Food Safety and Health & Safety policies.
• Taking responsibility for the ordering of stock as required and direction by the Head Chef/Sous Chef.

The Person

To be successful in this role you will need to have previous experience working at a similar level of responsibility or be ready to take your next step in your career, gained in a high-quality food service environment.

The right candidate will be able to demonstrate strong leadership, organisational, communication and planning skills and be confident and adaptable in the kitchen environment.

Key to this role is having a passion for food and food service.

The Offer

We are offering:

£25,958.40 per annum

40 hours per week, 5 days over 7

Some fantastic benefits including:

• Annual leave - 25 days plus 8 bank holidays per annum
• Generous contributory pension scheme, matching from 4% to 7.5%
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free entry to West Dean Gardens
• Complimentary staff access to events
• Discounts on retail goods in our two shops
• Free and discounted places on short courses at West Dean College
• Free use of West Dean College facilities including swimming pool, library, and tennis courts
• Subsidised bed and breakfast rates
• Discounts on event hire and food and beverage charges
• Free on-site parking
• Opportunity to work in other catering outlets on the Estate.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about creating exceptional food, fostering a warm and inclusive environment, and being part of a dynamic team in a vibrant setting, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

• Please view the CHEF DE PARTIE JOB PACK 03 2024 document (opens in a pop up)