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- Tasks: Join us as a Relief Chef, covering various establishments and gaining diverse culinary experiences.
- Company: Blue Arrow is a nationwide agency connecting chefs with flexible job opportunities across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy great pay rates, weekly payments, and the flexibility to choose your shifts.
- Why this job: Build your network, gain exposure to different environments, and potentially secure permanent roles.
- Qualifications: Previous chef experience required; flexibility and a passion for food are essential.
- Other info: Enhanced DBS checks available; work in schools, care homes, and more.
Location: Stoke on Trent, Leek, Stafford, Newcastle Under Lyme, Congleton, Shrewsbury, Telford, Nantwich, Crewe.
Pay rates: £17p/h to £20p/h - dependent on chef level, job roles, shifts and experience. Enhanced rates on weekends, client dependent.
Shifts: Day shifts, evenings, weekends.
Contract: Temporary ongoing, can offer both full time and part time to suit your needs and commitments.
Blue Arrow are looking to add to their already fantastic chef database. You will be covering establishments ranging from pubs, restaurants, golf clubs, hotels, contract catering sites, events and many more. This is a great opportunity to build extra hours, build your current network and profile, and have exposure to different environments along with working on a flexible basis.
Type of chefs we are looking for:
- Cooks
- Breakfast chefs
- DBS Chefs / Cooks for schools & care homes and prisons - these do require an Enhanced DBS; we can help process one if you don’t already have one.
- Chef De Parties
- Sous Chefs
- Head Chefs, Chef Managers, Catering Managers
- Event, conference and banqueting Chefs
The working environment: Due to the various different types of environments we cover, your working environment will change from site to site, and even day to day, but we will look to place you in the most comfortable environments for you. We currently are or have supplied to the below environments:
- Contract catering sites including industrial catering
- Schools, Nurseries, Universities, hospitals, Care homes and prisons - to work in these environments it would require an Enhanced DBS check - which we do have the facilities to put you through at a cost.
- Garden Centres and farm shops
- Hotels, pubs, restaurants, golf clubs and events
Why Apply & Benefits to joining Blue Arrow:
- Blue Arrow is a Nationwide Agency based throughout the UK; we have branches in all locations, work is always on offer.
- A lot of our chefs who are registered with us enjoy working for Blue Arrow due to the flexibility around shifts, and we can offer both ongoing and short-term assignments.
- Another great reason is that you get paid a great hourly salary along with every hour worked; some of our chefs have gained permanent roles with their perfect companies due to working in ongoing assignments and then offered permanent contracts.
- Most importantly, you are paid on time and on a weekly basis.
- Great pay rates and weekly pay.
- Your very own App and portal to accept shifts on the go and submit timesheets.
- Dedicated consultant.
- Chance to gain more hours around current jobs and commitments.
- Mixtures of shifts.
- PAID FOR EVERY HOUR WORKED.
- Ongoing work in the majority of our clients.
- Company pension scheme.
Working times and shifts: As you can imagine, being a chef does mean you are expected to work days, evenings, weekends and nights. However, the benefit for joining us at Blue Arrow means you can choose which days you want to work, and we can offer a mixture of shifts to suit all needs.
The Commute: As we cover many locations across Staffordshire, your commute will vary. If you have a car and are flexible with locations, great; if you’re limited to public transport, we’ll only send you to places that have public transport links and provide you with all the information you will need to get there.
Requirements and skills:
- Previous experience as a chef, at least up to senior chef de partie role.
- Flexibility in shift patterns - i.e. must be able to work day and night shifts depending on when the clients need cover.
- Ability to cover ad hoc same day booking requests for our clients - which could lead to more ongoing work.
- Great communication and teamwork skills.
- Level 2 food hygiene certificate (ideal but not essential as we can provide this at a cost).
- Passion for food.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Due to certain locations, a full UK driving license is required along with own access to a vehicle.
- Own chef whites and chef knives.
- An in-date Enhanced DBS dated within the last 12 months ideally on the new updated service programme; this will allow you to work within Schools and Care homes. (We do have the facilities to put you through one at a cost if needed, this would benefit you in offering more work.)
If you think this is just what you’re looking for then CLICK APPLY TODAY, and sign up with us. Feedback shows from previous chefs it can take less than 7 minutes to book your very own interview slot, and one of our consultants will be in touch within 24/48 hours (not including weekends).
Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.
Relief Chefs all levels -Staffordshire and surrounding areas employer: Blue Arrow - Derby
Contact Detail:
Blue Arrow - Derby Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Chefs all levels -Staffordshire and surrounding areas
✨Tip Number 1
Network with other chefs and culinary professionals in your area. Attend local food events or join online forums to connect with others who may have insights into available relief chef positions.
✨Tip Number 2
Be flexible with your availability. Since the role requires covering various shifts, being open to working evenings and weekends can significantly increase your chances of landing a job.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider obtaining an Enhanced DBS check if you don’t already have one. This will make you eligible for more job opportunities, especially in schools and care homes.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with different types of cuisines and cooking styles. Being versatile can help you stand out as a candidate, as you'll be able to adapt to various environments and client needs.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Chefs all levels -Staffordshire and surrounding areas
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a chef, including specific roles you've held and environments you've worked in. Emphasise any experience in schools, care homes, or high-pressure settings.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and flexibility in working hours. Mention your ability to adapt to different environments and your eagerness to take on various chef roles.
Highlight Relevant Certifications: If you have a Level 2 food hygiene certificate or an Enhanced DBS check, make sure to mention these in your application. If you don’t have them yet, express your willingness to obtain them.
Showcase Your Availability: Clearly state your availability for shifts, including weekends and evenings. This will demonstrate your flexibility and commitment to meeting the needs of the clients.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Arrow - Derby
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in detail, especially any specific cuisines or techniques you excel in. If possible, bring along a portfolio of your work or photos of dishes you've created to impress the interviewer.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since the role requires working various shifts and environments, highlight your adaptability. Share examples of how you've successfully managed different kitchen settings or adjusted to last-minute changes in your previous roles.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication is key in a kitchen environment. Be ready to discuss how you collaborate with team members and handle conflicts. Providing examples of successful teamwork will show that you're a valuable addition to their kitchen.
✨Understand the Importance of Hygiene
Familiarise yourself with food hygiene standards, as this is crucial for any chef role. Even if you don't have a Level 2 food hygiene certificate yet, express your willingness to obtain one and discuss your understanding of safe food handling practices.
