Cambridge
Chef de Partie Salary £33,328.85 per annum Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (working on a 2-week shift rota, including weekends and evenings) An excellent opportunity for a Chef de Partie to be part of our friendly team of chefs dedicated to preparing a range of high-quality dishes, including fine dining for the College community and our commercial guests. In this role you will ensure the highest possible standards of food preparation and presentation, showcasing both classical and modern culinary techniques. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to extend their skills and learn additional techniques from our experienced chefs. To be considered for this role, you will need to have: An NVQ Level 2/3 in Catering or equivalent A Certificate in Food Hygiene Relevant experience gained in a busy commercial environment Excellent culinary skills A good understanding of current Food Safety and relevant Health & Safety legislation Clear communication skills About Downing College Founded in 1800, Downing College in the University of Cambridge has a unique and magnificent setting among twenty acres of lawns and trees yet is located in the centre of Cambridge. The open landscape has a superb collection of neo-classical buildings from the nineteenth, twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Those living and working in Downing enjoy a beautiful environment unique in Cambridge in its spaciousness. Downing also has a thriving conference business and provides customers with a choice of superior conference, meeting and theatre facilities. The Catering team supports this business as well as serving lunch and dinner for up to 400 Fellows, staff and students each day. Details of the role The role of Chef de Partie is a permanent full-time position. The working hours are 37.5 hours per week, with a 30-minute break each day, allocated according to a two-week shift rota (including evenings & weekends). Purpose of job: To work as an effective member of the kitchen brigade in achieving the highest possible standard of food preparation and presentation for the Fellows, students, staff and commercial guests of Downing College. Responsible to: Executive Head Chef, or in his absence, the Deputy Head Chef. Accountabilities: 1. Ensuring the highest possible standards of food preparation: To prepare high quality and appropriate quantities of food for the various services which cater for Fellows, students, staff and commercial business customers. To produce dishes to a high specification by following all recipes accurately, ensuring compliance with published nutritional data and adhering accurately with allergen labelling and policy. To ensure that all dishes are prepared to the quality as determined by the Executive Head Chef, Deputy Head Chef or Sous Chef. Maximise the safe storage of food and minimise food wastage. 2. Maintaining excellent standards of health and hygiene: To achieve and maintain the highest possible standards of health and hygiene and report any deficiencies to the Executive Head Chef. Ensure that the College food safety policy is adhered to at all times. Ensure the College Health and Safety policy is adhered to all times. Maintain a high standard of hygiene within your section including all equipment. Ensure that you are appropriately dressed and wear a clean uniform each day. 3. Working as an efficient member of the Catering team: Adhere fully with all departmental values- scholarship, curiosity, community, integrity and kindness. To take an active part in daily team briefings. Develop a good working relationship with all members of the Catering team. To be prepared to work additional hours/shifts where business demands. Undertake other related duties as requested. The salary for this role is £33,328.85 (Step 40 on the College Salary Scale) for 37.5 hours per week In addition to the salary, we offer an attractive benefits package. 35 days Holiday (including bank holidays and Christmas closure period) Discretionary Bonus scheme Free College Lunches on working days Pension scheme (with matched contribution up to 10%) Free access to an Employee Assistance programme 24/7 Healthcare Cash scheme (e.g. for prescriptions, dental, optical, physiotherapy) Free Life Assurance cover Optional subsidised private medical scheme Cycle purchase scheme, giving substantial savings on cycle purchase Free use of on-site Gym facilities Free on-site Car parking Social events An additional Day Off for your Birthday! Please note that these benefits are non-contractual and may be amended or withdrawn at our discretion. Application Process To apply for this position click Apply Now on the advert posting on our website ( Staff vacancies | Downing College Cambridge ) and complete an application form. You are able to upload your CV in support of your application. Closing date: Midday on 27 August 2026. Please note that the closing date for this post may be brought forward if there is a high volume of applicants. Applications are welcomed from a broad range of backgrounds. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. Applicants who declare a disability will be offered an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for the job. We are pleased to be able offer this document in an accessible format. Please contact HR using the email address below if you wish to receive this advert and role profile or an application form in a different, accessible format, e.g. large print. For further information or in event of queries, please contact the HR Office using the email below or telephone01223 334820. Downing College, Cambridge, CB2 1DQ TPBN1_UKCT