Chef (Part time)- Orchard Park Garden Centre

Are you a passionate, creative chef who thrives on fresh ingredients, seasonal menus, and delivering memorable food in a vibrant daytime setting? Orchard Park Garden Centre is looking for a talented Part-Time Chef to join our friendly and close-knit kitchen team.

This is a fantastic opportunity to produce beautiful seasonal dishes in a kitchen that values quality, consistency, and creativity — all while enjoying an excellent work-life balance with daytime-only service.

Location: Orchard Park Garden Centre
Hours: 

Week 1 Will be Wednesday/ Thursday

Week 2 Will be Thursday / Saturday / Sunday
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience

What We Offer

• Daytime hours only – no evening shifts
• Closed on Boxing Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Easter Sunday
• Supportive and professional kitchen environment
• Creative input into seasonal menus and specials
• Staff meals and garden centre discounts
• Opportunity to develop your skills within an established hospitality team
• Flexible part-time working hours

The Role

As a Part-Time Chef, you will play an important role in delivering high-quality food and maintaining excellent kitchen standards. Working closely with the Head Chef and wider team, you will help prepare and serve freshly made dishes while ensuring consistency, presentation, and customer satisfaction remain at the heart of everything you do.

This role is ideal for a Chef, Chef de Partie, or experienced Commis Chef looking for a part-time position in a positive daytime environment.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Service

• Prepare, cook, and present high-quality seasonal dishes to specification
• Run your section efficiently during service
• Maintain consistency, portion control, and presentation standards
• Contribute ideas for specials and menu development
• Work efficiently during busy service periods
• Ensure all food meets allergen and dietary requirements

Kitchen Operations

• Assist with daily food preparation and mise en place
• Ensure your section is fully stocked and prepared for service
• Support stock rotation and minimise waste
• Monitor stock levels and communicate requirements to senior chefs
• Assist other sections when required

Food Safety & Compliance

• Maintain excellent food hygiene and safety standards
• Follow HACCP procedures and company policies
• Ensure correct storage, labelling, and dating of food
• Keep work areas clean, safe, and organised
• Support daily cleaning schedules and kitchen maintenance

Teamwork & Communication

• Work collaboratively with kitchen and front-of-house teams
• Support colleagues during busy periods
• Communicate effectively with senior chefs and management
• Maintain a positive and professional attitude at all times

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience working in a professional kitchen
• Strong cooking skills and attention to detail
• Passion for fresh, seasonal food
• Ability to remain calm and organised under pressure
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards
• Reliable, punctual, and hardworking

Desirable

• Experience within a café, restaurant, or garden centre environment
• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to obtain)
• Interest in modern British seasonal cuisine
• Confidence working independently when required

Personal Qualities

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about food and proud of their work
• Creative, enthusiastic, and eager to learn
• Calm, focused, and dependable
• Friendly and professional
• Committed to maintaining high standards every day

If you're looking for a part-time chef role with daytime hours, a great team, and the opportunity to work with fresh seasonal food, we'd love to hear from you.