Chef de Partie

"A great chef creates exceptional food. A great prep school creates exceptional futures. Be part of both."

Chef de Partie

Location: King's College Prep, Taunton
Pay: £14.00 per hour
Hours: 40 hours per week
Working Pattern: 5 days out of 7
Shift Pattern: 6:15am - 2:15pm and 11:45am - 7:45pm (alternating weeks)
Contract: 52 weeks per year
Free on-site parking available

Transport Links: Plan your journey via Traveline - Kingston Road, Taunton, TA2 8AA

Join a Prestigious Prep School Community Where Quality Matters

Are you a passionate chef who takes pride in creating exceptional food and creating memorable dining experiences?

At King's College Prep, Taunton, one of the South West's leading independent preparatory schools, we believe that great food plays an important role in supporting learning, wellbeing and the overall pupil experience. Our leadership team is committed to enhancing school dining and creating an environment where pupils, staff and visitors enjoy fresh, nutritious and high-quality meals every day.

We are looking for a talented Chef de Partie to join our kitchen team and help deliver an exceptional catering experience. Working within a supportive and professional environment, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills while making a genuine difference to the daily lives of our pupils.

Whether you are an experienced Chef de Partie or a Commis Chef ready for your next challenge, this role offers the opportunity to develop your career within a prestigious educational setting where quality, teamwork and professionalism are valued.

Every meal you create will contribute to the experience of our pupils, helping to ensure they are fuelled for learning, sport and school life.

Come and be part of something special as we continue to enhance the catering experience at King's College Prep, Taunton.

What You'll Do

As Chef de Partie, you'll play a key role in delivering outstanding food and service standards whilst ensuring compliance with all statutory and company procedures.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing, producing, presenting and serving high-quality meals in accordance with company standards and contract specifications.
• Supporting the delivery of an exceptional pupil dining experience that meets both client and Sodexo expectations.
• Assisting the Head Chef with menu planning, food preparation and ordering requirements when required.
• Ensuring meals are served at the correct times, temperatures and portion sizes.
• Maintaining effective control of raw materials, food costs, waste and portion control.
• Receiving deliveries and checking goods against invoices for quality and accuracy.
• Ensuring stock is stored correctly and rotated using First In, First Out (FIFO) procedures.
• Supporting the achievement of Green Safeguard audit standards through excellent food safety and compliance practices.
• Ensuring allergen information and allergen labelling are accurate, maintained and compliant at all times.
• Complying with all regulations relating to food hygiene, health and safety, COSHH, fire safety and safe working practices.
• Maintaining excellent standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout food preparation, service and storage areas.
• Completing cleaning schedules and maintaining clean workstations and equipment at all times.
• Providing a professional, caring and friendly service to pupils, staff, parents and visitors.
• Participating in team meetings, training programmes and development opportunities.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to maintain a positive and supportive kitchen culture.
• Supporting special events, hospitality functions and themed dining experiences, some of which may take place outside normal working hours.
• Reporting accidents, incidents, complaints, damaged stock, food quality concerns or other irregularities promptly and appropriately.
• Following all Sodexo policies, procedures and client site requirements.

What You'll Bring

We're looking for someone who combines strong culinary ability with enthusiasm, professionalism and a genuine passion for food.

You'll ideally have:

• 1-2 years' experience as a Chef de Partie or in a similar culinary role.
• Applications from experienced Commis Chefs looking for the next step in their career are also welcome.
• NVQ Level 2, 706/2 Professional Cookery qualification or equivalent.
• Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Previous catering, hospitality or contract catering experience.
• A genuine passion for food and delivering excellent customer experiences.
• Excellent attention to detail and high personal standards.
• Strong time management and organisational skills.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• The ability to maintain high standards whilst working under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Confidence communicating with pupils, customers, clients and colleagues at all levels.
• Basic computer literacy.
• Knowledge of food hygiene, allergen management and health and safety requirements.
• A proactive and positive approach to learning and development.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team whilst using your own initiative.
• A flexible approach and willingness to support service needs when required.
• A willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check, which is required for this role.

Desirable Experience

It would be beneficial if you also have:

• NVQ Level 3, 706/3 Professional Cookery or Hospitality qualification.
• Previous experience within an educational or boarding school environment.
• Experience supporting and developing other team members.
• Understanding of food cost management and budget control.
• Experience working within KPI-driven catering operations.
• Experience supporting catering management and employee engagement initiatives.

Why Join Us?

This is more than a Chef de Partie role. It's an opportunity to become part of a school community that values excellence, teamwork and professional development.

In return, we offer:

• A welcoming, supportive and professional working environment.
• Competitive hourly rate and benefits package.
• Free on-site parking.
• Full training and protective uniform provided.
• Unlimited access to mental health and wellbeing support.
• Employee Assistance Programme providing legal, financial and personal support.
• Exclusive discounts, cashback schemes and financial wellbeing benefits.
• Career progression opportunities, apprenticeships and development programmes.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Volunteering and community engagement opportunities.
• The opportunity to build your culinary career within one of the South West's leading independent prep schools.

A Place to Belong

At Sodexo, we believe everyone deserves a place where they can thrive, grow and feel valued.

When you join us at King's College Prep, Taunton, you'll become part of a team that takes pride in delivering exceptional food, creating positive experiences and supporting the development of young people every day.

If you're ready to bring your culinary skills to a prestigious educational setting and take the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and be part of something exceptional

Please note: Sodexo and King's College Prep, Taunton are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including Enhanced DBS and reference checks.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications

File Downloads

• HR-5933_Benefits UK Brochure V9.pdf