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- Tasks: Work as a relief chef in various kitchens, from fine dining to schools.
- Company: Join Optimal Chef Services, a chef agency run by experienced ex-chefs.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible shifts, competitive pay, and exclusive chef perks after a year.
- Why this job: Take control of your work-life balance with no kitchen politics and steady work flow.
- Qualifications: Minimum three years experience, ideally as a sous or head chef.
- Other info: Immediate starts available; choose your shifts and enjoy weekly pay.
2 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Flexible shifts | Full-time, part-time & casual hours available
Are you a skilled chef looking for flexibility, great pay, and the opportunity to work in a variety of kitchens? JoinOptimal Chef Services, a chef agency run by ex-chefs who understand the industry inside and out. Some of our chefs have been working with us for over seven years, and we have built a reputation for reliability, fair pay, and always putting chefs first.
We providehotels, restaurants, gastropubs, care homes, schools, and golf clubswith experienced relief chefs. Whether you preferfine dining, high-volume gastropubs, private catering, or large-scale banqueting, we match chefs to the right kitchens. With a steady flow of work and shifts available every week, you can work as much or as little as you choose.
Why Work With Us?
- Competitive pay– Higher rates for sous and head chef shifts
- Immediate startsavailable for successful applicants
- Flexibility– Choose your shifts, take time off whenever you need
- Weekly pay– Never a late payment in eight years
- Self-employed tax benefits
- Exclusive chef perks– After a year of full-time work, you gain access toOptimal Exclusive, withhigher pay rates and priority shifts
Who We’re Looking For
- Experienced chefs– Minimumthree years in the industry, experience as asous or head chefpreferred
- Professional & reliable– Organised, hard-working, able to work well with others
- Strong technical ability– Confident in running a section, maintaining hygiene standards, and handling busy services
- Essential qualifications– Level 2 Food Hygiene (DBS preferred but not required)
- Own equipment– Knives, whites, safety shoes, andown transport or access to public transport
- Shifts assigned weekly– Chefs provide their availability by Wednesday, shifts are sent out on Friday for the following week
- Flexible hours– No minimum or maximum shifts per week (8, 10, and 12-hour shifts available)
- Peak demand– Evenings, weekends, summer, and December are the busiest periods
- Travel– Chefs are responsible for their own commute but can claim mileage on tax returns
How to Apply
Send yourCV via LinkedIn or to enquiries@optimalchefservices.com to be considered. References will be required. Successful applicants can start immediately.
Join a team that values its chefs, pays fairly, and ensureszero kitchen politics. Apply today and take control of your work-life balance.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent, Freelance
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
Work Location: On the road
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
-
Industries
Hospitality
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Self Employed Relief Chefs - DERBYSHIRE/NOTTINGHAMSHIRE - IMMEDIATE STARTS employer: Optimal Chef Services
Contact Detail:
Optimal Chef Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Self Employed Relief Chefs - DERBYSHIRE/NOTTINGHAMSHIRE - IMMEDIATE STARTS
✨Tip Number 1
Network with other chefs and industry professionals in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Attend local culinary events or join online chef communities to connect with potential employers and learn about job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Make sure to showcase your versatility in the kitchen. Highlight your experience in different types of cuisine and settings, as this agency values chefs who can adapt to various environments, from fine dining to high-volume gastropubs.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach. Reach out directly to Optimal Chef Services to express your interest and availability. A personal touch can make a significant difference in getting noticed among other applicants.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for an immediate start by ensuring all your qualifications and equipment are ready. Having your Level 2 Food Hygiene certification and necessary tools on hand will demonstrate your readiness and professionalism.
We think you need these skills to ace Self Employed Relief Chefs - DERBYSHIRE/NOTTINGHAMSHIRE - IMMEDIATE STARTS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a chef, especially any roles as a sous or head chef. Include specific examples of your skills in running a section, maintaining hygiene standards, and handling busy services.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and flexibility in working different shifts. Mention your experience in various kitchen environments and how you can contribute to Optimal Chef Services.
Highlight Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, including your Level 2 Food Hygiene certification. If you have a DBS check, mention it as well, as it may strengthen your application.
Provide References: Prepare a list of professional references who can vouch for your reliability and skills in the kitchen. Make sure to inform them that they might be contacted after you submit your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Optimal Chef Services
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your culinary experience, especially if you've worked as a sous or head chef. Be prepared to discuss specific kitchens you've worked in and the types of cuisine you're comfortable with.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since the role offers flexible shifts, emphasise your willingness to adapt to different working hours and environments. Share examples of how you've successfully managed varying schedules in the past.
✨Highlight Technical Skills
Be ready to talk about your technical abilities in the kitchen. Discuss your experience with maintaining hygiene standards and running a section during busy services, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few questions ready to ask about the agency and the types of kitchens you might be placed in. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.