Chef de Partie (KD

Review: Chef de Partie Opportunity at the University of Bath

This Chef de Partie role at the University of Bath presents a compelling opportunity for culinary professionals looking to grow their careers within a supportive and dynamic academic environment. If you're a skilled chef with a passion for food and a desire to mentor others, this position offers significant advantages and key considerations for your professional development.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Career Growth and Mentorship: This role emphasizes leadership and development. You'll have the chance to take ownership of your section, hone your culinary skills, and crucially, play a vital role in mentoring and supporting junior kitchen staff. This is an excellent platform for those aspiring to move into more senior kitchen management roles.
• Creative Culinary Environment: The University actively encourages creativity and welcomes new culinary ideas. This means you won't just be executing recipes; you'll have the opportunity to contribute to menu development and influence the culinary direction, making your role both impactful and engaging.
• Supportive Team Structure: You'll be joining an experienced team of Chef de Parties, with ongoing support and guidance from accomplished Sous Chefs and a Head Chef. This collaborative atmosphere fosters learning and ensures you're not operating in isolation, allowing for continuous skill enhancement.
• Generous Benefits Package: The University of Bath offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support its staff. This includes:
  • A £1,000 Campus Services New Starter Bonus, providing a welcome financial boost.
  • Eligibility for a Refer a Friend bonus, rewarding your network.
  • A full-time contract (36.5 hours per week, 40 weeks per year) with structured time off, contributing to a better work-life balance.
  • Access to a wide array of professional development opportunities, including apprenticeships and LinkedIn Learning.
  • Excellent employee benefits such as free counselling, cycle-to-work schemes, staff discounts (including at the Team Bath gym and on postgraduate tuition), and a generous pension scheme.
  • A commitment to diversity and inclusion, with accreditations like the Silver Athena SWAN award and recognition as an autism-friendly and Disability Confident Leader university.
  • A relocation allowance may be available, easing the transition for those moving to the area.
• Diverse Culinary Experience: Working within a university setting means catering to a wide range of events and diners, offering a broad spectrum of culinary experiences and challenges that will broaden your skillset.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Shift Work and Flexibility: The role operates on a 5-over-7 contract, which includes early mornings, late evenings, and weekend shifts. Candidates should be prepared for a schedule that requires flexibility and adaptability to meet the operational needs of the university's outlets.
• Pace and Pressure: The description highlights a "fast-paced environment" where responding effectively to pressure and changing priorities is essential. Successful candidates will need to demonstrate resilience and the ability to maintain high standards under demanding conditions.
• Commitment to Food Safety: A strong understanding of food hygiene and workplace health and safety is not just a requirement but a foundational element of this role. Candidates must be diligent in adhering to these critical standards.
• Academic Year Structure: The 40-week working year with fixed time off aligns with the academic calendar. This structure can be beneficial for work-life balance, but it means periods of structured leave throughout the year.

Overall, this Chef de Partie position at the University of Bath is an exciting prospect for ambitious chefs. It offers a chance to contribute meaningfully to a respected institution, develop leadership capabilities, and benefit from a robust package of financial and personal rewards. If you are a proactive, skilled, and team-oriented chef, this role provides an excellent foundation for continued success in the culinary industry.