Career guide with VIDEO – Demi chef de partie

A brief introduction into what the role entails

The demi chef — more formally known as the chef de partie — is responsible for keeping a portion of line cooks or station chefs’ on time and organised during production. While smaller kitchens can use the chef de partie as a station cook himself, most commercial kitchens use the chef de partie as a station manager. A demi chef is the kitchen’s third in command; therefore, they need to be trustworthy, experienced and management material.

Watch the video How to become a Demi chef de partie

The key responsibilities of this role may include but are not limited to:

• Preparation and cooking of food
• Assisting in all areas of the kitchen for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Ensuring the kitchen areas are clean and tidy
• Maintaining Health & Safety standards
• Providing customer service to staff and customers
• Training the junior chefs working with you

Salary

Your earning potential as a Demi chef de partie depends on your skills and the style of the venue you would be working at, so you could be earning anything between £23,000 to £35,000 if you are based in London. Many employers offer perks such as career development opportunities including training programs, complimentary hot meals, employee events, life insurance cover and discounted accommodation rates.

Working hours

Roles typically operate within a shift structure, and you would be expected to work upwards of 40 hours a week.

What entry qualifications and training do you need?

Demi chefs are not entry-level employees. A demi chef operates like a lower-level manager; therefore, he needs previous kitchen experience, especially in the station that he is overseeing. Although a formal education isn’t required, a demi chef who has formal culinary training – through schooling or an apprenticeship program – can prove beneficial when it comes to understanding classic preparation, the kitchen brigade system and the duties of each station.

• Relevant NVQ or equivalent qualifications, including Basic Food Hygiene

What experience do you need to be a Demi chef de partie?

Valuable experience for this role entails the following:

• Previous kitchen experience within hospitality, ideally in a fine dining operation (if that is the type of institution you are applying to work for)

What skills do you need to be a Demi chef de partie?

• Looking into acquiring the following skills if you do not already possess them would put you in good stead when applying for a role:
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent ability to communicate effectively
• The ability to meet hygiene standards
• Be self motivated and able to work under your own initiative