Location
London

Hours
Flexible hours including weekends, public holidays, events, pre-opening activities and key hotel operating periods.

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
Delano London, opening in late 2026, brings the spirit and celebrated heritage of the iconic Delano Miami Beach to London, reimagined for a new generation. Set overlooking Kensington Gardens, the hotel will feature 67 rooms and suites, Lana Lusa, the legendary Rose Bar and Rose Lounge, alongside The Source wellness offering. Delano is a place where personality, creativity and genuine connection come together, valuing curiosity, individuality and a sense of fun to create an environment where our people can be themselves while delivering thoughtful, intuitive and genuinely warm hospitality.

We are seeking an exceptional Chef de Partie to join the 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 memorable, consistently excellent food from opening day.

Your responsibilities will include preparing, cooking and presenting dishes to the required Delano standard, following recipes, specifications, portion controls and plating guidelines. You will lead by example, maintaining a calm, professional and supportive working environment within your section, and take responsibility for the day-to-day organisation, guidance, training and development of your team.

You will work closely with the culinary leadership team to support a smooth and efficient pre-opening and service operation, ensuring your section is fully prepared before service with all mise en place, equipment, ingredients and production requirements ready. You will maintain excellent standards of food quality, freshness, consistency, presentation, timing and portion control.

Additional duties include supporting menu tastings, recipe development, mock services, training sessions and other pre-opening activities; establishing and maintaining recipes, prep lists, par levels, cleaning schedules, opening and closing procedures and section standards; coordinating effectively with other kitchen sections, Pastry, Stewarding, Front of House and wider hotel departments; supporting stock control, ordering, deliveries, storage, labelling, rotation, waste reduction and responsible use of ingredients; and ensuring full compliance with food safety, HACCP, allergen management, Health & Safety, company policies and all relevant legal requirements.

You will remain flexible across the wider culinary operation and support events, room service, private dining and other hotel requirements when needed.

Experience
Previous experience as a Chef de Partie in a quality restaurant, luxury hotel or high-volume kitchen environment is essential. Experience with Mediterranean or Portuguese cuisine is a real plus.

About you
You are a confident, hands-on chef who takes ownership of your section and remains present throughout service. You have excellent knowledge of mise en place, cooking techniques, presentation, kitchen organisation and service delivery. You are confident leading, training and supporting Demi Chefs and Commis Chefs. You are a natural team player who communicates clearly, supports colleagues and creates a positive working environment.

You understand the importance of food safety, HACCP, allergens, temperature control, cleanliness and disciplined kitchen routines. You have awareness of portion control, food cost, waste reduction, ordering and the commercial realities of a busy kitchen. You are organised, reliable and able to prioritise effectively while maintaining attention to detail. You remain calm under pressure, adaptable when plans change and willing to take ownership of problems and solutions. Flexibility to work weekends, public holidays, events, pre-opening activities and key hotel operating periods is required.

Qualifications
Relevant culinary qualifications and certifications are advantageous but not explicitly stated. A strong commitment to quality, teamwork, personality, learning and genuine hospitality is expected.