Chef de Partie - Pre-Opening

About the role

Delano London, opening in late 2026, is looking for a Chef de Partie to join its pre-opening culinary team. Reporting to the Executive Head Chef and working closely with the Senior Sous Chef and Sous Chef, you will take ownership of your section, lead and support the Demi Chefs and Commis Chefs assigned to you, and help establish a kitchen operation that delivers consistently excellent food from opening day.

Key responsibilities

• Own your section, ensuring excellent preparation, organisation, service delivery and food quality.
• Prepare, cook and present dishes to the required standard, following recipes, specifications, portion controls and plating guidelines.
• Train, guide and develop Demi Chefs and Commis Chefs, and support menu tastings, recipe development, mock services and other pre-opening activities.
• Maintain mise en place, equipment, ingredients and production readiness before service, and keep recipes, prep lists, par levels, cleaning schedules and section standards up to date.
• Work with other kitchen sections, Pastry, Stewarding, Front of House and wider hotel departments, and support stock control, ordering, deliveries, storage, labelling, rotation and waste reduction.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, HACCP, allergen management, Health & Safety and legal requirements, and stay flexible for events, room service, private dining and other hotel needs.

Required profile

• Previous experience as a Chef de Partie in a quality restaurant, luxury hotel or high-volume kitchen.
• Confident, hands-on chef who takes ownership of their section and leads, trains and supports Demi Chefs and Commis Chefs.
• Team player who communicates clearly and works well under pressure, with attention to detail.
• Aware of portion control, food cost, waste reduction and the commercial realities of a busy kitchen.
• Willing to work weekends, public holidays, events and pre-opening activities.
• Mediterranean/Portuguese cuisine experience is a real plus.

Required skills

• Excellent knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques, presentation and kitchen organisation.
• Understanding of HACCP, allergen management and temperature control.

What we offer

• The chance to help launch Delano London and shape the kitchen from day one.
• Close collaboration with an experienced culinary leadership team and leadership development.
• Work across Lana Lusa, Rose Bar, Room Service, Private Dining Rooms, events and the wider hotel.
• Colleague benefits, hotel stays and experiences across the wider group.