Golf- Demi Chef de Partie

The Demi-Chef de Partie serves as the vital support link between the Commis Chefs and the Station Head (Chef de Partie). In a world-class 5-star luxury environment, this role requires a chef who is technically proficient, reliable, and capable of running a specific culinary section independently when required. The incumbent is responsible for preparing high-quality food items, supervising junior staff during preparation hours, and ensuring that the section’s mise-en-place is always ready for service.

JOB OVERVIEW – PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The purpose of this position is to maintain operational continuity and quality. The scope involves acting as the "Second in Command" of a specific station (e.g., Garnish, Salad, Roast, or Fish). The Demi-Chef de Partie is expected to produce food to the exact standard of the Chef de Partie, ensuring that the guest experience is identical regardless of who is physically cooking the dish. This role is a developmental stepping stone toward full leadership, balancing high-volume production with the mentorship of Commis Chefs.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Food Preparation & Service

• Manage the daily production tasks assigned by the Chef de Partie, ensuring all ingredients are chopped, cooked, and portioned to the correct yield and specification.
• Operate the station during service, cooking and plating dishes with speed and precision, ensuring hot food leaves the station piping hot.
• Taste all prep items (sauces, dressings, purees) daily, adjusting seasoning to meet the 5-star flavour profile before service begins.
• Step up to run the section in the absence of the Chef de Partie, communicating directly with the Pass/Sous Chef regarding timing and ticket counts.

Supervision & Mentorship

• Supervise the work of Commis Chefs and Apprentices, checking their cuts and cooking techniques to prevent wastage.
• Assist in the training of new team members, demonstrating the correct use of equipment (e.g., mandolins, vac-pack machines, thermomixers).
• Enforce "Clean as you Go" discipline within the team, ensuring the station remains organised even during peak rush.

Hygiene, Safety & Storage

• Strictly adhere to HACCP guidelines, ensuring all food items are covered, labelled with production and expiry dates, and stored at the correct temperature.
• Rotate stock using the FIFO (First-In, First-Out) method, checking the quality of vegetables and proteins daily to ensure freshness.
• Maintain the cleanliness of kitchen equipment, reporting any dull knives or broken machinery to the Chef de Partie immediately.

Cost Control

• Assist with the daily ordering process by counting stock on hand and identifying shortages.
• Monitor portion control during service to ensure that food cost targets are met (e.g., weighing protein portions).
• actively reduce waste by utilising vegetable trimmings for stocks or identifying items that need to be used as specials.

REPORTING

• Reports Direct to: Chef de Partie / Sous-Chef.
• Supervises: Commis Chefs, Culinary Interns/Trainees.
• Key Liaisons: Stewarding Team, Kitchen Porters.

Requirements:
• Culinary Diploma or Certificate in Professional Cookery.
• Minimum of 3–4 years of culinary experience.
• At least 2 years of experience as a Commis I or Commis II in a reputable hotel or restaurant.
• Experience in high-volume banqueting or fine dining is preferred.

Technical Skills

• Cooking Proficiency: Strong grasp of fundamental cooking methods (roasting, braising, poaching, sautéing, emulsifying).
• Knife Skills: Fast and accurate chopping skills with the ability to produce uniform cuts (julienne, brunoises) consistently.
• Adaptability: The ability to work across different sections (e.g., moving from Cold Larder to Hot Entremetier) if required.
• Safety Knowledge: Good understanding of chemical handling (MSDS) and fire safety in the kitchen.

COMPETENCIES

Core Competencies

• Reliability: The ability to be trusted to run the station alone without constant supervision.
• Team Player: Willingness to stay late to help another section finish their prep or clean down.
• Attention to Detail: Checking every plate for smudges or missing garnish before sending it to the pass.
• Ambition: A clear desire to learn and progress to Chef de Partie; asking questions and showing initiative.
• Stamina: Capable of standing for long shifts and working in a hot, high-pressure environment without losing focus.