At a Glance
- Tasks: Join various kitchens, from small teams to large brigades, and showcase your culinary skills.
- Company: Aston Recruitment, connecting chefs with exciting opportunities across Dalkeith and Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Competitive pay rates (£12-17ph), flexible hours, and live-in accommodation for rural bookings.
- Other info: Perfect for those seeking flexibility or temporary work while exploring culinary careers.
- Why this job: Experience diverse kitchens, learn new techniques, and network with fellow chefs while earning.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 or similar qualifications; adaptability and a positive attitude are essential.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 17 € per hour.
We recruit Relief Chefs for a wide range of hotels, restaurants, resorts, conference and business centres, event and contract caterers in Dalkeith, Edinburgh and the surrounding areas. Our assignments are anything from a single day to twelve months in length with typical bookings being 2-8 weeks in duration.
We are currently recruiting for Relief Chefs for a wide range of bookings across Dalkeith, Edinburgh and East / West Lothian. Typically, roles include:
- Depending on your level of experience and our clients’ needs, our assignments can vary from covering a section in the kitchen through to running the entire kitchen operation.
- Cooking in a range of locations from small three-man teams up to larger brigades of 25+ chefs.
- Based on your background and experience, assignments can include cooking in kitchens producing AA Rosette / Michelin standard food through to more basic menus and anywhere in between.
- Relief chefs are likely to be asked to run sections during service; assist with preparation for a la carte, TDH, conference and banqueting menus and any other kitchen duties.
- Ensuring that all health & hygiene standards and legislation are met alongside any individual company’s policies and procedures is part of the role too.
Who we're looking for:
It could be that you are a career relief chef looking to work with another agency; you could be available for a short period of time while you look for another role; personal circumstances might mean that you are available for a particular period of time; you may be an oil rig chef available on rotation looking for some work when you are on land or it could be that you have a full time job and would be interested working at occasional one day events from time to time. In short, there are many reasons people choose to work as temporary relief chefs.
What makes a good Relief Chef?
- Attitude – As well as your skills as a chef, attitude is key. You will need to be able to walk into different kitchens in different situations and adapt quickly with the mind-set that you are there to help out.
- Reliability – Our clients need chefs that turn up when they say they will, are able to see out assignments until the end and finish them on a positive note leaving the door open to future bookings.
- Solid core skills – It is highly likely that you will have had formal chef training and hold an NVQ Level 3, 7061/2 or similar qualifications.
- Flexible – It is highly advantageous if you can be available to start bookings at relatively short notice and also appreciate that sometimes bookings go on longer or shorter than expected. Having your own transport helps but is not essential.
What's on offer:
We work with a range of clients and always aim to ensure pay rates are competitive and assignments are interesting and varied. Typically pay rates are between £12-17ph dependent upon the nature of the booking. Live in accommodation is often provided for bookings that are in more rural areas.
As well as that, working as a Relief Chef means you can experience lots of different types of kitchens; learn various different ways of working; work with new produce, techniques and dishes; you can get to work network with other chefs and improve your skills and experience in general.
Relief Chefs - Dalkeith, Edinburgh employer: AstonForrest Recruitment
Aston Recruitment is an excellent employer for Relief Chefs in Dalkeith, Edinburgh, offering a dynamic work environment with diverse assignments across various prestigious venues. Employees benefit from competitive pay rates, opportunities to enhance their culinary skills, and the flexibility to choose assignments that fit their lifestyle. With a strong focus on professional growth and a supportive culture, Aston Recruitment ensures that chefs can thrive while enjoying the excitement of working in different kitchens.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Chefs - Dalkeith, Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get chatting with other chefs and industry folks at events or online. You never know who might have a lead on a relief chef gig that’s just perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Be flexible with your availability. The more open you are to last-minute bookings, the more likely you are to land those sweet assignments. Clients love reliable chefs who can jump in when needed!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! When you get an assignment, make sure to leave a lasting impression. A positive attitude and solid performance can lead to repeat bookings and great references.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and puts you right in front of the hiring managers. Plus, we’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented relief chefs like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Chefs - Dalkeith, Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your culinary skills and experiences. We want to see what makes you a great Relief Chef, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements in the kitchen!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to tailor your application to the specific role. Mention how your experience aligns with the types of kitchens and assignments we offer. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework!
Keep It Professional Yet Friendly:While we love a casual vibe, remember to keep your application professional. Use a friendly tone but avoid slang or overly informal language. We want to get a sense of your personality while still knowing you mean business!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for all the exciting opportunities we have available. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at AstonForrest Recruitment
✨Know Your Culinary Skills
Before the interview, brush up on your core cooking skills and be ready to discuss your experience in various kitchen environments. Be prepared to share specific examples of dishes you've created or techniques you've mastered, especially if they relate to AA Rosette or Michelin standard food.
✨Show Your Adaptability
Relief chefs need to adapt quickly to different kitchens and teams. During the interview, highlight instances where you've successfully adjusted to new environments or worked with diverse teams. This will demonstrate your flexibility and readiness to jump into any situation.
✨Emphasise Reliability
Reliability is crucial for relief chefs. Make sure to convey your commitment to showing up on time and completing assignments. Share past experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond to ensure a smooth service, leaving a positive impression on your employers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the types of kitchens you'll be working in and the expectations for each assignment. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the opportunities align with your skills and career goals.
