Chef de Partie

Chef de Partie

Shwen Shwen by Maria Bradford – Sevenoaks, Kent
Salary: £30,000–£34,000 per year, depending on experience, plus tronc
Full-time | 48 hours per week

Join the Shwen Shwen Kitchen Team

Shwen Shwen by Maria Bradford is a celebrated, independent restaurant bringing the flavours and stories of Sierra Leone to Sevenoaks through bold, creative and beautifully presented dishes.

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Chef de Partie to join our ambitious kitchen team. This is an excellent opportunity for a confident chef who is ready to take ownership of a section, contribute to the delivery of an exciting menu and continue developing within a supportive, quality-driven restaurant.

You will work closely with our senior chefs and help guide junior members of the kitchen team while maintaining high standards throughout preparation and service.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Taking full responsibility for the preparation, cooking and presentation of dishes within your section
• Ensuring every dish meets Shwen Shwen’s standards for flavour, consistency and presentation
• Planning and completing daily mise en place so your section is fully prepared for service
• Running your section confidently and efficiently during busy services
• Supporting the delivery of new menus, specials and seasonal changes
• Monitoring stock levels and communicating ordering requirements to the senior kitchen team
• Maintaining accurate stock rotation, labelling and storage using FIFO principles
• Reducing waste through careful preparation, portion control and effective stock management
• Supporting, guiding and training Commis Chefs and other junior team members
• Maintaining excellent standards of cleanliness, organisation and kitchen discipline
• Following all food hygiene, allergen, health and safety procedures
• Helping the restaurant maintain its five-star food hygiene rating

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience as a Chef de Partie or a strong Demi Chef de Partie ready to progress
• Experience within a quality restaurant, hotel or similarly service-led kitchen
• Strong preparation, cooking and plating skills
• The confidence to manage a section independently
• Excellent organisation and time-management skills
• A calm and professional approach during busy services
• An understanding of stock control, food costs, portion control and waste reduction
• Good knowledge of food hygiene, allergens and health and safety requirements
• A reliable and proactive attitude
• A genuine interest in learning about Sierra Leonean cuisine and the Shwen Shwen story
• A willingness to support and develop junior chefs
• Pride in your work and a commitment to maintaining consistently high standards

Previous experience with African or West African cuisine is welcome but not essential. Curiosity, strong kitchen fundamentals and a willingness to learn are most important.

What We Offer

• Salary of £32,000–£34,000, depending on experience
• Tronc payments through our service-charge system
• 30 days’ annual leave, plus public holidays
• Three per cent employer pension contribution through auto-enrolment
• Training and professional development
• Opportunities to contribute to menu development
• A clear progression pathway towards Senior Chef de Partie or Sous Chef
• The opportunity to work with distinctive ingredients, flavours and techniques
• A respectful, supportive and ambitious working environment

Working Hours

This is a full-time position based on a 48-hour working week.

The restaurant’s current opening hours are:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday–Thursday: 5pm–10:30pm
• Friday–Saturday: 12pm–10:30pm
• Sunday: Closed

Your scheduled hours will include preparation time outside the restaurant’s service hours.

Our Culture

At Shwen Shwen, we believe an excellent kitchen is built on respect, discipline, teamwork and a shared passion for hospitality.

We value chefs who take ownership of their work, support their colleagues, remain open to feedback and care deeply about the food they serve. In return, you will join a growing restaurant where your contribution will be valued and there is genuine scope to develop your career.

How to Apply

Please apply with your CV and a short introduction explaining your experience, what you are looking for in your next role and why you would like to join Shwen Shwen.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: £30,000.00-£34,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount

Work Location: In person