Team Member Spotlight.

I am a Chef de Partie at Drayton Manor Park working in the kitchens of a 150 bedroom Drayton Manor Hotel which has two restaurants and a lounge bar, seven hospitality function suites and meeting rooms as well as the 250 seater grill restaurant in the park. I started with Drayton Manor Park 10 years ago as a Kitchen Porter. I enjoyed working in that role and especially enjoyed working as part of a team. However, three years ago a Commis Chef opportunity became available. I applied for the role and the management at Drayton Manor Park saw my potential and that is how I started my career as a Chef. From there, I have developed new skills with the support of my fellow team members.

Drayton Manor Park put me through my NVQ 2 diploma in Professional Cookery and whilst studying my qualification I moved up to the role of Demi Chef de Partie. Through my career I have continuously learned and developed a passion for food and cooking. This year, I have been promoted to Chef de Partie which has provided me with more responsibility. I now have the opportunity to run my own sections and manage junior team members. I also have the opportunity to run the main ‘pass’ on occasion and am able to place chemical and disposable orders though our online purchasing systems. In the future, I would like to begin placing food orders for functions which will allow me to manage the full process from ordering to service.

No day is the same at Drayton Manor Park, making my job really enjoyable. It is like a family and I enjoy working as part of a team, however, I also enjoy the responsibility of working on my own doing events. I hope to continue my career here for many years to come and the next target in my career is the position of Junior Sous Chef. My intention is to begin my NVQ Level 3 with the support of the company. I would not be where I am today without the staff and management, I am proud of where I am and I see a bright future in the kitchens at Drayton Manor Park.

Kieren.