Chef de Partie Jobs

A chef de partie is a junior member of the kitchen brigade but is crucial to its success. A Chef de parties job is to run different sections of a kitchen. For example the pastry chef de partie prepares all desserts and pastries, and the sauce chef de partie prepares sauces, hot starters and runs the flow of food to the head chef prior to it being delivered by waiters.

The chef de partie in charge of the vegetable corner deals with all vegetable and salad accompaniments, the preparation of soups and some cold starters. Most kitchens will have a number of chef de parties, and there is a hierarchy within this group, with a senior chef de partie, also known as the sauce chef, able to lead and direct them.  Chef de parties are often promoted from commis chef level within the brigade and receive training in every station.

A chef de partie should:

• be able to deal with pressure and cope with doing several things at once
• have an interest in food preparation
• have creative flair and imagination
• have strong organisational skills

Most chef de parties work a basic 40 hour week however overtime is often worked and shifts and split shifts are common.  Chef de partie jobs may also be seasonal depending on the employer's busiest times.  A chef de partie can earn between £11,000 and £16,000 per annum with part-time, casual and seasonal jobs being paid on a pro rata basis.