Chef De Partie reference: R-188433

## A Chef de Partie Opportunity at the Beautiful Bala Lake Hotel: Your Next Career Move Are you a passionate and skilled Chef de Partie looking for a role where you can truly make your mark and grow your culinary career? This opportunity at the stunning Bala Lake Hotel, part of the renowned John Lewis Partnership, presents a compelling proposition for dedicated hospitality professionals. This role is more than just a job; it's a chance to become an integral part of a talented kitchen brigade, contributing to a first-class culinary experience for both hotel guests and Partners. If you're driven by quality, efficiency, and a desire for continuous improvement, this position could be your ideal next step. ### Advantages for Aspiring Chefs: This Chef de Partie position offers a wealth of benefits designed to support your professional journey: * Development and Growth: This is explicitly positioned as an "ideal development opportunity." You'll work closely with the Head and Sous Chefs, gaining invaluable insights and hands-on experience. Furthermore, you'll be entrusted with taking on leadership responsibilities in their absence, a significant step in honing your management skills. * Skill Enhancement: You'll have the chance to not only produce and present high-quality dishes but also to share your expertise. The role includes mentoring and training Commis Chefs and the wider kitchen team, including specialized areas like fishmongery and butchery. This is a fantastic avenue for solidifying your own knowledge and developing leadership capabilities. * Financial Incentives: Beyond your contractual pay, the role offers a tangible incentive for working unsociable hours. A Night Premium of £4.00 per hour applies to any time worked between 22:00 and 06:00, making late-night shifts more rewarding. * Ownership and Purpose: As part of the John Lewis Partnership, you'll be joining the UK's largest employee-owned business. This unique model fosters a sense of shared responsibility, reward, and a commitment to a strong purpose. Being a Partner means your voice is heard, and you contribute to the success and culture of the organization. * Beautiful Location: The Bala Lake Hotel is situated in a picturesque setting in Bala, Gwynedd. This offers a unique lifestyle opportunity for those who appreciate natural beauty and a vibrant local community. * Brand Ambassadorship: This role goes beyond kitchen duties. You'll be a brand ambassador, upholding the Partnership's commitment to outstanding customer experiences and embodying its core values. ### Key Considerations for Your Career Path: To ensure this role aligns with your career aspirations, here are some key aspects to consider: * Pace and Pressure: The job description clearly states that a kitchen environment is "fast-paced and can feel pressurised." If you thrive in dynamic settings and can maintain high standards under pressure, this will be a positive challenge. * Flexibility is Key: The role requires flexibility in working varied shifts, including weekends and evenings, to meet operational needs. The working hours can range from early starts around 7:00 AM to latest finishes around 10:00 PM. Understanding and embracing this flexibility is crucial. * Leadership Potential: While you'll be developing under experienced chefs, you will be expected to take initiative and lead. If you are eager to step into leadership, demonstrate strong decision-making, and foster a collaborative team environment, this role is an excellent platform. * Commitment to Standards: Maintaining the sales, reputation, and profit of the kitchen, alongside stringent adherence to health, safety, and food safety regulations, are core responsibilities. A meticulous attention to detail and a proactive approach to compliance are essential. * Essential Qualifications and Experience: Candidates will need relevant professional chef qualifications (such as City & Guilds diplomas or BTEC HNC in professional cookery) and prior experience in a professional kitchen. A strong understanding of food safety policies is also a must. This Chef de Partie position at Bala Lake Hotel offers a fantastic platform for a driven and talented chef to elevate their career within a supportive and rewarding employee-owned organization. If you're ready to embrace new challenges, develop your leadership skills, and contribute to exceptional culinary experiences, this opportunity is certainly worth exploring.