Chef de Partie – Business and Hospitality – Westminster, SW1A 0PW
Chef de Partie – River Restaurant
House of Lords – Catering and Retail Services
BELONG HERE. TOGETHER, WE MAKE PARLIAMENT HAPPEN.
Externally this role will be advertised as Chef de Partie – Business and Hospitality but internally it is known as Chef de Partie – River Restaurant.
As a Chef de Partie you’ll play an important role in supporting the UK’s parliamentary democracy. Your work will help Members carry out their responsibilities effectively – contributing to something bigger than any one role.
You’ll be part of a collaborative community, working alongside colleagues from a wide range of professions. Together, we make Parliament happen.
You’ll be based on the Parliamentary Estate in Westminster – a unique working environment shaped by history and powered by the people who work here today.
You’ll take responsibility for your designated kitchen section and play an important role in the delivery of breakfast, lunch and dinner services.
Working closely with Sous Chefs and supporting junior colleagues, you’ll help ensure food is prepared, cooked and presented to consistently high standards. You’ll be responsible for food preparation, service delivery, stock control, food safety compliance and maintaining an organised and efficient section.
This is a hands-on role for someone who takes pride in their craft, enjoys working as part of a team and thrives in a busy kitchen environment while contributing to a service valued by Members, House staff and visitors.
This is an exciting opportunity to work within one of the UK’s most iconic workplaces, helping to deliver fresh, high-quality food for Members, House staff, contractors and visitors.
Working alongside skilled chefs and catering professionals, you’ll contribute to a busy operation spanning breakfast, lunch and dinner services, maintaining the high standards of food quality, service and hospitality that are at the heart of Catering and Retail Services.
What you’ll be doing
In this role, you’ll:
- Prepare, cook and present food for breakfast, lunch and dinner services to agreed standards.
- Take responsibility for the operation of a designated kitchen section during preparation and service periods.
- Maintain a clean, safe and organised working environment at all times.
- Ensure compliance with Food Hygiene, HACCP, allergen and Health & Safety procedures.
- Assist with ordering, receiving and storing deliveries.
- Ensure stock rotation is maintained using First-in-First-out (FIFO) principles.
- Work collaboratively as part of a professional kitchen brigade to deliver a high-quality dining service.
- Support the development of Commis Chefs and Kitchen Catering Assistants.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who can bring their skills and experience to make a meaningful contribution here.
You’ll have:
- Chef de Partie experience within a professional kitchen, catering or Business & Industry catering environment, with experience preparing and serving fresh food in a busy operation.
- Good understanding of food hygiene, food safety, HACCP and allergen management, with the ability to apply these standards within a working kitchen environment.
- Strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team, support junior colleagues and perform calmly under pressure.
- Ability to manage a designated kitchen section, maintain high standards of food quality, presentation and organisation, and contribute to the delivery of a high-quality catering service.
- Flexibility to work a range of shift patterns including breakfast, early, middle, late and double shifts, together with occasional Saturday working in support of operational requirements.
- A professional cookery qualification (NVQ Level 2 Professional Cookery or equivalent) and Food Safety Level 3 Certificate, or equivalent relevant industry training and experience.
It would be even better if you have (or are willing to learn):
- Experience supporting the development of Commis Chefs, Apprentices or junior kitchen staff.
- Experience using computerised food safety or stock management systems.
- Knowledge of sustainable catering practices, seasonal produce and food waste reduction initiatives.
- Experience supporting hospitality, banqueting or special event catering operations.
For full details, please see the job description.
Whatyou’llget in return
Working at the House of Lords means joining a community that values your wellbeing,growthand contribution.
You’llbenefitfrom:
- 30 days annual leave (rising to 35 after one year).
- Generous Civil Service pension scheme.
- A comprehensive Parliamentary health and wellbeing programme.
- Access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities across diverse professions.
- The chance towitnessdemocracy in action and work in a place of historic national significance.
The work we do is vital to the House of Lords – the second chamber of the UK Parliament. It plays a critical role in making laws, scrutinising government, and providing independentexpertiseon national issues.
Ready to apply?
Ifyou’relooking for an employer where you can belong, grow and thrive,we’dlove to hear from you.
Please complete your online application by 23:59 on Monday 23rd November 2026.
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