Relief Chef

Relief Chef

Full-Time No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage a catering team and create delicious meals for the over-55 community.
  • Company: Caterplus enriches lives through food, serving various communities across the UK.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free meals, flexible hours, and opportunities for career growth.
  • Why this job: Join a people-first company where your voice matters and you can make a difference.
  • Qualifications: Catering experience and a passion for customer service are essential.
  • Other info: Apply using the name you feel most comfortable with; we value potential over perfection.

Caterplus – More Than a Meal, It’s a Community

Step away from the same kitchen every day. As a Relief Chef 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.

You must be flexible, hold a full valid UK driving licence and have your own reliable transportation.

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
  • 5 out of 7 days
  • Covering sites across Hertfordshire and surrounding areas within our over-55 catering communities

Being a Relief Chef at Caterplus gives you:

  • Variety instead of routine
  • More responsibility and autonomy
  • 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! Here’s what’s waiting for you:

  • 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.
  • 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? Toenrich 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!

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Relief Chef employer: Elior Uk

At Elior, we pride ourselves on being a people-first employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued. As a Relief Chef at St Luke's Hospital, you'll enjoy flexible working hours, opportunities for career development, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of the over-55 community through your culinary skills. With free meals and a strong emphasis on employee well-being, it's no wonder that 87% of our team are proud to be part of our mission to enrich lives every day.
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Contact Detail:

Elior Uk Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Relief Chef

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the values and mission of Caterplus. Understanding their commitment to community and customer service excellence will help you align your responses during any interviews or discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight your experience in catering, especially in contract settings. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed food stocks, controlled costs, and ensured high-quality service in previous roles.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to demonstrate your leadership skills. As a Relief Chef, you'll be managing a team, so think of instances where you've successfully trained or supported colleagues, and be ready to share those stories.

✨Tip Number 4

Show your passion for creating a welcoming environment. Since the role involves working with the over-55 community, consider how you can contribute to making dining experiences enjoyable and memorable for them.

We think you need these skills to ace Relief Chef

Culinary Skills
Team Management
Customer Service Excellence
Cost Control
Food Safety Knowledge
Health and Safety Regulations
Communication Skills
Training and Development
Stock Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Time Management
Creativity in Menu Planning
Interpersonal Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Relief Chef position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with what Elior is looking for.

Craft a Personalised Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your genuine interest in customer service excellence and your passion for catering. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage a team and maintain high standards in food safety and quality.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise any previous catering experience, especially in contract catering. Include details about your chef skills, team management, and any achievements that showcase your culinary excellence and cost control abilities.

Showcase Your Soft Skills: Elior values strong team players who are confident and positive. Make sure to include examples of how you've worked effectively in teams, communicated well with colleagues, and contributed to a positive work environment.

How to prepare for a job interview at Elior Uk

✨Show Your Passion for Culinary Excellence

Make sure to express your genuine interest in creating delicious meals and providing excellent customer service. Share specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond in previous roles to enhance the dining experience.

✨Demonstrate Team Leadership Skills

As a Relief Chef, you'll be managing a team. Highlight your experience in recruiting, training, and supporting team members. Discuss how you foster a positive work environment and ensure effective communication within the team.

✨Understand Food Safety Regulations

Familiarise yourself with COSHH, food safety, and health and safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you have implemented these practices in past roles to ensure compliance and maintain high standards.

✨Be Ready to Discuss Cost Control

Since the role involves managing food stocks within budget, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully controlled costs in previous positions. This could include menu planning, portion control, or waste reduction strategies.

Relief Chef
Elior Uk
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