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- Tasks: Step into various kitchens, support teams, and ensure high standards of food safety.
- Company: Caterplus, a people-first business dedicated to enriching lives through community catering.
- Benefits: Free meals, flexible hours, 28 days holiday, and paid volunteering days.
- Other info: Join a diverse team where your potential is valued and supported.
- Why this job: Enjoy variety, autonomy, and the chance to make a real impact in different kitchens.
- Qualifications: Senior chef experience, strong leadership skills, and a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Caterplus - More Than a Meal, It's a Community. Step away from the same kitchen every day. As a Relief Chef Manager with Caterplus, you'll become our trusted regional expert - stepping into different sites across the region to support, steady the ship and keep our communities well-fed and cared for.
If you're a confident, adaptable chef who enjoys variety, autonomy and a role that genuinely makes you feel needed, this is the one. This role covers the South East. You must be flexible, hold a full valid UK driving licence and have your own reliable transportation. Benefits include car allowance and mileage.
What you'll be doing...
- Cover planned and unplanned absence across multiple Caterplus locations
- Support teams during busy periods or transition
- Bring consistency, standards and leadership wherever you go
- Keep kitchens running safely, efficiently and to Caterplus standards
- Act as the regional specialist for Textured Modified Foods (TMF), delivering training and best practice
- Build strong relationships with managers and operations teams across the region
- Role model high standards in H&S, food safety and compliance
No two weeks will look the same - you'll work with different teams, strengthen different kitchens and make a visible impact everywhere you go.
What can you bring?
- Senior chef experience
- Calm, organised and confident under pressure
- A genuine passion for customer service
- Strong kitchen management and people leadership
- A positive, solutions-focused approach
- TMF experience helpful, though training provided
Hours & Region
- 5 out of 7 days
- 37.5 hours per week (no late evenings)
- Covering sites across the South East within our over-55 catering communities
- Car allowance
- Mileage (33p per mile petrol, 26p per mile electric)
Being a Relief Chef Manager at Caterplus gives you:
- Variety instead of routine
- More responsibility and autonomy
- Faster skills development across different sites
- Wider visibility with senior leaders (accelerates progression)
- A role where you're the person people rely on when it counts
If you enjoy being the chef who can "walk into any kitchen and make it work", you'll thrive here.
Brilliant Work Deserves Brilliant Perks!
At Elior, we believe that when you love where you work, it shows. That's why we make sure our team feels appreciated, supported, and set up for success!
- Free, tasty meals - Enjoy tasty, nutritious food on us while you work!
- Flexible working - including part time roles, because life doesn't run on a 9-5 schedule.
- Plenty of Time to Unwind - 28 days of holiday, and after two years, enjoy even more with 31 days.
- Leave for life's important moments - whether family, personal or unexpected.
- Give back time - paid volunteering days for the causes you care about.
- Room to grow - career development and learning opportunities for all stages of your career.
- Wellbeing first - mental health support and wellbeing perks.
- Financial security - pension schemes and life assurance.
- Exclusive discounts - save on entertainment, leisure, and even travel!
- Drive in Style - Enjoy a car allowance.
One small thing - we welcome you to apply using the name you feel most comfortable with! No need for legal names at this stage.
Why You'll Love Working Here
We're a people-first business with over 10,000 colleagues across the UK, serving everything from stadiums to hospitals, schools to workplaces. Our mission? To enrich lives everywhere, every day. And here's the best part - 87% of our team say they're proud to work here! Why? Because we create a place where you're listened to, trusted, supported, and valued.
Not sure you match every single requirement? Apply anyway! Research shows that many people - especially women and those from underrepresented backgrounds - hold back unless they meet 100% of the criteria. But we hire for potential, not just experience. If you're passionate and ready to grow, we want to hear from you!
We Celebrate You!
At Elior, diversity and inclusion aren't just policies, they're who we are. We know that different perspectives make us stronger, and we're dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.
Need any support or adjustments during the application process? Just let us know - we're happy to help!
Ready to join us? Hit 'Apply Now' and let's chat!
Relief Chef Manager in Watford employer: Caterplus
Contact Detail:
Caterplus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Chef Manager in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the catering industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a Relief Chef Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to showcase your skills! When you get that interview, be prepared to talk about your experience in different kitchens and how you've handled various challenges. Bring examples of how you've kept standards high and made a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Flexibility is key! Since this role covers multiple sites, highlight your adaptability and willingness to jump into new environments. Show them you can hit the ground running and keep things running smoothly no matter where you are.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Caterplus team and making a difference in our communities.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Chef Manager in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking and customer service shine through. We want to see that genuine enthusiasm for the role and how you can make a difference in our communities.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your senior chef experience and any relevant skills, especially in kitchen management and TMF. We’re looking for someone who can adapt quickly, so showcase your flexibility and leadership abilities.
Be Yourself: Don’t stress about using your legal name; we welcome you to apply with the name you feel most comfortable with. Just be authentic and let us see the real you in your application!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caterplus
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your culinary skills and knowledge about Textured Modified Foods (TMF). Caterplus values expertise, so be ready to discuss your experience in different kitchen environments and how you've handled various challenges.
✨Show Your Adaptability
As a Relief Chef Manager, you'll be stepping into different kitchens. Highlight your ability to adapt quickly to new teams and environments. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed transitions or busy periods in the past.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Caterplus is all about community and collaboration. Be prepared to talk about how you've built strong relationships with colleagues and managers in previous roles. Show that you can lead by example and support your team effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the company culture, training opportunities for TMF, or how they measure success in their kitchens. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.