Chef de Partie

Contract: Permanent, 52 weeks per year

Hours: 39 hours per week

Job Purpose

Be part of the team that brings great food to life at Ratcliffe College

We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Chef to join our Catering Team and help us deliver fresh, wholesome and delicious food to our students, staff and visitors.

This is a varied, hands-on role where quality, teamwork and pride in what you produce really matter. From nutritious everyday meals to memorable school celebrations and special events, you’ll play an important part in creating a fantastic dining experience for the whole Ratcliffe community.

Working in a busy professional kitchen, you’ll combine your culinary skills with great organisation, attention to detail and a positive approach, producing consistently high-quality food in an efficient and cost-effective way.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who enjoys being part of a busy kitchen team and takes genuine pride in their food.

Ideally, you’ll bring:

• Formal culinary training or an appropriate catering qualification
• Previous experience working in a busy, high-volume kitchen
• Strong food and beverage knowledge
• Good knowledge of the food service industry
• Excellent attention to detail
• A thorough understanding of food hygiene and food safety regulations
• The ability to remain calm and organised under pressure
• A positive, proactive and flexible approach
• The motivation to work independently while also being a great team player

Above all, we’re looking for someone who is passionate about producing great food and delivering consistently high standards.

Your Key Responsibilities

As part of our Catering Team, you will:

• Prepare and cook a variety of fresh, nutritious and appealing hot and cold meals for students, staff and visitors.
• Help create high-quality food for special occasions, functions and key College events.
• Ensure meals are prepared and served on time while maintaining excellent standards of quality, presentation and consistency.
• Follow the College’s Food Hygiene, HACCP and Health & Safety procedures, including accurate recording of temperature controls, chilling and thawing times.
• Maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness, hygiene and food safety across the kitchen, food preparation areas, storage facilities, refrigeration areas and catering equipment.
• Ensure all food handling, preparation and storage complies with relevant Environmental Health and Health & Safety requirements.
• Work closely with the Head Chef and Catering Manager to minimise food waste and maintain effective stock control and rotation.
• Promptly report equipment faults, maintenance issues or unusual incidents to the Head Chef.
• Take pride in maintaining a safe, professional, clean and welcoming working environment.
• Follow Ratcliffe College policies and procedures and support the wider team to ensure the smooth running of the school.

Flexibility is an important part of working within our Catering Team. The role will include some weekend, evening and Bank Holiday working, as well as supporting particularly busy and exciting times in the College calendar, including Christmas celebrations, Prize Days and Exhibition Day.

As with every role in a busy school environment, you may occasionally be asked to undertake other appropriate duties to support the Catering Manager, Head Chef and wider College team.

Safety, Security & Professional Standards

You will also help us maintain the high professional standards expected across our Catering operation by:

• Ensuring catering equipment is safely switched on and off in accordance with the Catering Manager’s instructions.
• Keeping food and stock secure throughout each shift and ensuring storage areas are secured appropriately at the end of the day.
• Maintaining excellent standards of personal hygiene and a smart, clean and professional appearance at all times.

Why Join Ratcliffe College?

Set within 200 acres of beautiful Leicestershire countryside, Ratcliffe College offers more than simply a place to work. It is an inspiring environment where people can thrive, develop and feel connected to what they do.

We believe a great workplace is about more than the job itself. It’s about feeling valued, being supported to grow and enjoying being part of something meaningful.

What We Offer

• Join a high-performing school ranked in the top 1% nationally for A-Level value-added results.
• Develop your skills through a strong and supportive culture of continuous professional development (CPD).
• Enjoy freshly prepared food and refreshments during your working day.
• Benefit from convenient access to onsite medical care.
• Make the most of free access to our onsite gym at selected times.
• Generous maternity and paternity leave packages to support you and your family.
• Substantial fee reductions for eligible employees’ children.