Chef de Partie

About the role

Smith St Bistrot is seeking an experienced Chef de Partie to join our dynamic kitchen team in Collingwood, Victoria. This is a full-time position offering an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced, professional culinary environment where your expertise and passion for food will be valued and developed. As Chef de Partie, you will take responsibility for a specific section of our kitchen, ensuring consistency, quality and efficiency whilst maintaining our high culinary standards although it is a small brigade and the need to be dynamic is strong and the ability to be able to work across and support multiple sections is key. This role is essential to the success of our Bistrot and offers the chance to work alongside talented chefs in a collaborative kitchen setting.

Key responsibilities

• Managing and overseeing your assigned station, ensuring all mise en place is properly prepared and organised

• Preparing and cooking dishes to the highest standard in accordance with our established recipes and plating specifications

• Maintaining strict food safety, hygiene and quality control standards at all times

• Training, mentoring and supervising junior kitchen staff working at your station

• Monitoring stock levels and communicating ordering requirements to maintain efficient kitchen operations

• Adapting quickly to service demands and supporting other stations when required

• Ensuring all food is prepared within required timeframes and presented consistently

• Contributing to menu development and offering creative ideas to enhance our culinary offerings

• Maintaining excellent working relationships with team members and supporting a positive kitchen culture

What we're looking for

• Minimum 3–5 years' professional kitchen experience, with at least 2 years' experience working as a Chef de Partie or equivalent

• Strong technical culinary skills with proficiency in classical French techniques and modern cooking methods

• Thorough knowledge of food safety regulations and commitment to maintaining high hygiene standards

• Proven ability to work efficiently under pressure during service and maintain quality output

• Excellent knife skills and demonstrated expertise in preparing and cooking meat, fish, vegetables or sauces depending on your station

• Experience in a fast-paced à la carte restaurant environment

• Strong leadership and team communication skills with the ability to mentor junior staff

• Flexibility to work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends and public holidays as required

• Passion for quality ingredients and commitment to consistency and presentation

• Current or willingness to obtain a Food Safety Level 2 certificate (desirable)

What we offer

• Competitive salary reflecting your experience and expertise

• Full-time permanent position offering schedule certainty and career stability

• Opportunity to work with fresh, quality ingredients and creative menus in a respected bistrot

• Supportive, collaborative kitchen environment with experienced head chef mentorship

• Professional development and training opportunities to enhance your culinary skills

• Staff meals and employee discounts at Smith St Bistrot and across the group

• Positive workplace culture that values creativity, teamwork and culinary excellence

About us

Smith St Bistrot is a beloved independent restaurant located in Collingwood, specialising in classic European cuisine with a focus on quality ingredients and time-honoured cooking techniques. We are passionate about delivering exceptional dining experiences to our guests through carefully crafted menus, attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere. Our team is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of food quality and hospitality, and we pride ourselves on being a destination restaurant within the local community. We believe in investing in our staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and culinary excellence.

Apply now

If you are a talented and ambitious Chef de Partie ready to contribute to our kitchen team and take your career to the next level, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV, a cover letter outlining your culinary experience and why you are interested in joining Smith St Bistrot, along with contact details for professional references.