Selwyn College Cambridge
Catering
Full-time
Senior Chef de Partie

Job Description

Job title:

Senior Chef de Partie

Department:

Catering

Reports to:

Head Chef & Deputy Head Chef

Working pattern:

Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Contract:

Permanent (subject to probationary period)

Purpose of the role

To work under the direction of the Head Chef and Deputy Head Chef to consistently produce
the highest possible standard of food for our students, staff, Fellows and conference guests. You
will work with the other Senior Chef de Partie and the Section Chefs to provide consistently
high-quality food and introduce innovative dishes to enhance the overall dining experience for
our customers.

Key duties and responsibilities

•  Prepare, cook and present consistently high-quality food in the servery, at formal, high

table and for all other college conference activities.

•  Assist in the training of junior staff to achieve the highest standards of food production

and presentation.

•  Along with the other Senior Chef de Partie, deputise for the Deputy Head Chef/Head
Chef in their absence, ensuring the kitchen staff adhere to department standards of
hygiene and follow established health and safety and hygiene procedures.

•  Maintain budgets and avoid wastage by ensuring food is not cooked too far in advance,

or that excessive amounts of food are produced.

•  Ensure all HACCP and food safety procedures are fully complied with.

Senior Chef de Partie JD – July 2025

•  Provide any necessary cover during periods of staff absence.

•  Assist in any other tasks as instructed by the Head Chef within the overall function of

the job.

•  Attend any identified training courses to enable the post holder to competently perform

the duties of the role. This will include health and safety training to minimise
occupational risks.

•  Provide accurate allergen information at all services.

•  Liaise with Fellows, students, guests, staff and visitors at service areas in a polite and

professional manner.

•  Brief servery staff in food presentation, allergens and portion control.

•  Ensure regular health and safety checks of equipment, premises and working practice

are completed, accurately recorded and report any action to be taken.

•  Assist in the ordering of fresh daily goods.

•  Undertake and assist in any other tasks as reasonably instructed by the Head of
Catering, Head Chef or Deputy Head Chef, according the needs of the College.

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties. These duties may change over time in consultation
with the post-holder.

 Requirements for the role

Criteria
SKILLS
The ability to cater for a wide range of functions
Enthusiastic and willing to lean from training provided
Good organisational, time management and planning skills
Effective communication skills and a friendly disposition
A thorough understanding of food presentation and temperature control
in professional kitchen setting
Ability to work under pressure
Able to work under instruction and in harmony with colleagues
A positive ‘can do’ attitude, a willingness to help others and work
additional hours to provide cover for absent colleagues
Knowledge of the Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006, COSHH
Regulations 1998 and the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974

Senior Chef de Partie JD – July 2025

Essential  Desirable

X
X
X
X

X

X
X

X

X

EXPERIENCE
Previous experience in a similar Higher Education environment
EDUCATION
City & Guilds 706, NVQ Level 2 & 3 (or equivalent), or currently
working towards
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Excellent personal standards regarding time keeping, attendance and
personal presentation.
Team player

X

X

X

X
X

If you do not meet all the criteria, don’t be deterred from applying if you feel this role is for you. You may have
other relevant skills and experience which would prove valuable in this role.

Where you fit in the structure:

Bursar

Operations
Manager

Head of Catering

Head Chef

College Butler

Bar Manager

Stores Supervisor

Deputy Head Chef

Deputy Butler &
Cellar Manager

Bar Supervisor

Senior Chefs de
Partie

Hall Supervisors

Section Chefs

High Table Catering
Assistants

Commis Chefs

Catering Assistants

Kitchen Porters
(Plate Wash)

Kitchen Porters
(Front of House)

Senior Chef de Partie JD – July 2025

Senior Chef de Partie - SELWYN COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE | Work In Charities