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- Tasks: Prepare and execute high-quality dishes in fast-paced kitchens.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in premium hospitality venues across London.
- Benefits: Earn £16.00–£19.00 per hour with flexible scheduling.
- Why this job: Perfect for chefs who love variety and want to make an impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in fine-dining or corporate kitchens is essential.
- Other info: Opportunity for ongoing assignments and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 16 - 19 £ per hour.
We are currently recruiting experienced and reliable Temporary Chefs to support a range of busy kitchens, including restaurants, hotels, events, and contract catering sites. This is an excellent opportunity for chefs who thrive in fast‑paced environments and are looking for flexible work with competitive hourly rates.
What’s on Offer
- Hourly rate: £16.00–£19.00 (depending on experience, client and role)
- Schedule: Monday to Friday, daytime hours with some evenings and weekends on events season
- Contract: Ongoing temporary position with potential for long‑term placement
- Start Date: March/April 2026
- Location: Central and East London (various premium hospitality venues)
- Environment: Collaborative, high‑end corporate catering
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and execute high‑quality dishes across a variety of events and service styles
- Maintain exceptional food presentation, quality and hygiene standards
- Manage your section efficiently and support junior team members
- Monitor and maintain stock levels, ensuring accurate recording and rotation
- Complete all necessary temperature and food safety documentation
- Collaborate closely with senior chefs and front‑of‑house teams to ensure smooth service delivery
- Uphold professional standards of conduct, hygiene and presentation at all times
The Ideal Candidate
- Previous experience in a high‑volume, fine‑dining, or corporate hospitality kitchen
- Must have global culinary knowledge and/or experience
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage a section independently
- Culinary qualifications (e.g. NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent)
- A team player with a positive, can‑do attitude
- Passionate about quality, consistency and exceeding guest expectations
- Flexible, adaptable and motivated to learn and grow
- Commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact within the kitchen
- Can adapt quickly to new venues, teams and client expectations
- Is flexible with working hours, including evenings, early shifts and late finishes
- Is available for last‑minute assignments and short‑notice bookings
- Is available in March/April 2026 and willing to be assigned for ongoing assignments
PLEASE NOTE: We will require you to pass a background check and provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK. For an opportunity to interview for this fantastic Chef role, please submit your CV to apply!
Casual Chefs employer: Optime Group
Contact Detail:
Optime Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Chefs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, friends, or even past colleagues. You never know who might have a lead on a casual chef gig that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a short video showcasing your cooking style. This can really set you apart when chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and open-minded! The more adaptable you are with your schedule and the types of roles you’re willing to take on, the better your chances of landing that perfect casual chef position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you, so make sure you check it out and get your application in.
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Chefs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your previous experience in high-volume or fine-dining kitchens. We want to see how you've thrived in fast-paced environments, so don’t hold back on those details!
Tailor Your CV: Make your CV stand out by tailoring it to the role. Use keywords from the job description, like 'collaborative' and 'high-end corporate catering', to show us you’re a perfect fit for our team.
Be Clear About Your Availability: Since we need flexible chefs, be upfront about your availability in your application. Let us know if you can work evenings, weekends, or last-minute shifts – it’ll help us match you with the right opportunities!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of landing an interview, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get you on board for some exciting culinary adventures!
How to prepare for a job interview at Optime Group
✨Know Your Culinary Skills
Brush up on your culinary techniques and be ready to discuss your experience in high-volume kitchens. Be prepared to share specific examples of dishes you've created and how you maintained quality under pressure.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
Since the role requires adaptability, highlight your ability to work various shifts and handle last-minute assignments. Share experiences where you successfully adjusted to new environments or teams.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Collaboration is key in a busy kitchen. Talk about your experiences working with other chefs and front-of-house staff, and how you contributed to a smooth service. Mention any instances where you supported junior team members.
✨Commit to Quality and Sustainability
Demonstrate your passion for quality and sustainability in the kitchen. Discuss how you maintain hygiene standards and manage stock levels, and share any initiatives you've been part of that focus on reducing environmental impact.