A Chef de Partie is an intermediate job role in the kitchen, taking on more responsibilities that a Commis Chef but still under the supervision of the Sous Chef or Head Chef. This is a specialist role where you command your own station and provides good upward movement career opportunities.
What is a Chef de Partie?
A Chef de Partie, also known as a Line Cook or Station Chef, is a specialised chef position who is employed to oversee and manage a specific section of the kitchen – whether this is pastry, meta fish, vegetables, or sauce. In this position, you will be supervised by the Sous Chef or Head Chef and in some larger kitchens, you will be responsible for overseeing and training Commis Chefs.
As part of your day-to-day, you will be responsible for overseeing your kitchen station, preparing ingredients, cooking foods for your station, supervising junior staff, and maintaining quality. You might also be responsible for contributing recipes and menu ideas for your specific station. As with every role in the kitchen, you will be responsible for the health and safety of yourself and others within the kitchen, including maintaining the hygiene and cleanliness standards expected in any restaurant kitchen.
As a hospitality and catering role, you might be required to work unconventional hours – this includes evening and weekend work. This is perfect for anyone who enjoys a bit of flexibility around working. This role is a brilliant next step for anyone wanting to develop a career as a Chef.
How to Become a Chef de Partie?
To become a Chef de Partie, you will need to gain some experience, qualifications, or culinary education. You can do this through entry-level positions within a kitchen, such as a Commis Chef job, or culinary education training. By working your way up, you can gain hands-on experience, learn recipes, and establish your specialism within a particular station.
What to Put on a Chef de Partie CV
When applying for these roles, you’ll want a Chef de Partie CV, which will highlight your specific skills for this role. You will want to focus on showing experience in professional kitchens, culinary skills and education, as well as any transferable skills which might be useful including time management, organisation, and even people management if you’re applying for large kitchens with Commis Chefs.
Similar Jobs to Chef de Partie
A Chef de Partie, also known as a Line Cook or Station Chef, oversees a specialised station within any professional or commercial kitchen. Similar jobs to Chef de Partie include Sous Chef and Senior Chef de Partie roles – depending on the kitchen size you’re in. Other similar roles include other specialist chef positions such as Pastry Chef, Grill Chef, or Pantry Chef.
Other Jobs in Hospitality and Catering
The hospitality and catering sector is a popular industry in the UK, with thousands of positions available across all regions. Some other roles in this industry that might appeal to you include Caterer, Kitchen Manager, Host/ Hostess, Recipe Developer, Butcher, or Barista. Each roles requires an understanding of professional kitchen in different capacities and requires some culinary skills or management abilities which fall well into your remit as Chef de Partie. Whether you’re looking to expand outside the kitchen, strengthen your overall experience within the industry, or explore new career opportunities, there are plenty of hospitality and catering roles available.
Apply for Chef de Partie Jobs Near You
Looking to start a chef career in your local area? There are plenty of Chef de Partie jobs available across the UK. Whether you’re working in a restaurant or commercial building, there are plenty of chef positions near you with a variety of contract types that suit anyone looking for full-time career development or part-time work.
Chef de Partie Job Description FAQ
Is a Chef de Partie a Good Career Choice?
Yes, a Chef de Partie is a good career choice for anyone looking to build a career within a professional kitchen. If you’re aiming to become a Sous Chef or Head Chef, this position is an essential step in the process – helping you learn the kitchen and your specialities with hands-on experience.
What Skills Does a Chef de Partie Need?
As a Chef de Partie, you will be expected to have a specific level of culinary skills – learned through either training, education, or worked experience. However, some skills that can also help you in this role include:
- People management
- Time management
- Communication
- Organisation
- Attention to detail
What Are the Biggest Challenges of Being a Chef de Partie?
One of the biggest challenges you’ll face as a Chef de Partie is long working hours on your feet. This is a physically demanding job that requires attention across long periods of time to help maintain health, safety, and hygiene. Another challenge can be the unconventional working hours – with evening and weekend work required in most roles.
What Personal Qualities Make a Great Chef de Partie?
Some personal qualities that can help you succeed as a Chef de Partie include:
- A keen eye for detail
- Passion for culinary skills
- Strong people management with Commis Chefs
- Time management within fast-paced environments
