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- Tasks: Lead diverse kitchen operations and support teams across multiple sites.
- Company: Independent fresh food contract caterer with a commitment to quality.
- Benefits: Up to £43,000 salary, mileage allowance, 20 days holiday, and birthday off.
- Why this job: Embrace variety and creativity while making a real impact in culinary leadership.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract catering or strong restaurant background required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with clear pathways for career progression and ongoing training.
Relief Chef Manager, covering Cambridge, Oxford & Milton Keynes, up to £43,000 plus mileage.
Step into a role where variety meets opportunity. My client, an independent fresh food contract caterer, is expanding rapidly after securing exciting new catering contracts, and they are looking for a Relief Chef Manager to make their mark across multiple sites from South Warwickshire to London, Oxford, Cambridge, and Milton Keynes. This is a chance to lead with creativity, adapt your skills to different kitchens, and enjoy the rewards of a dynamic, hands-on leadership role.
With a competitive salary of up to £43,000 plus mileage, this role offers both the challenge and recognition that ambitious culinary professionals are looking for. As Relief Chef Manager, you’ll take the helm of daily kitchen operations across diverse sites, supporting teams during holidays, driving standards, and assisting with stock control, invoice input, dish costing, orders, theme days, events, and large hospitalities. You’ll oversee everything a Head Chef would normally manage and have the ability to cover a Chef Manager at any site after induction.
This role also provides the opportunity to develop skills in finance management, health and safety, and team HR responsibilities, giving you full visibility of running successful kitchens. With each site offering a unique environment, you’ll thrive on variety while making a real impact across the business.
To make the most of this role, you’ll enjoy:
- Excellent basic salary of up to £43,000, depending on experience
- Paid travel allowance of 45p per mile, adding quickly to your salary
- 20 days holiday plus bank holidays, with your birthday off and monthly PerkBox points (extra at Christmas)
- Full uniform and comprehensive training, including a 2-week hands-on induction and ongoing development, with a full 6-month induction period
- Exposure to diverse and dynamic kitchen environments and clear pathways for career progression
My client is renowned for their commitment to fresh, high-quality catering and a culture that empowers their staff. Joining this team means becoming part of a forward-thinking, growing business where your contribution is valued, variety is the norm, and career development is encouraged.
This Relief Chef Manager role offers flexibility, variety, and the chance to step into multiple leadership challenges while being fully supported. If you’re an adaptable culinary leader with some contract catering experience or a strong restaurant background, who thrives on stepping up and shaping the success of multiple kitchens, this could be your next exciting career move.
Start date is ASAP, working 5 out of 7 days (mostly Monday to Friday, 7:00–15:30) with flexibility where required. Apply now and take the next step in your professional journey.
Relief Chef Manager in Milton Keynes employer: Select Recruitment Specialists Ltd
Contact Detail:
Select Recruitment Specialists Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Chef Manager in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your culinary contacts 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 openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, do a trial shift or a cooking demo. This is your moment to shine and demonstrate how you can adapt to different kitchens and lead a team effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your experience! Prepare some stories that highlight your leadership skills and adaptability in various kitchen environments. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our growing team.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Chef Manager in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your CV Spot On: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Relief Chef Manager role. Highlight your experience in contract catering or restaurant management, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills and adaptability in different kitchen environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for fresh food catering and how you can bring creativity to the role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage diverse teams and operations.
Showcase Your Flexibility: Since this role involves covering multiple sites, emphasise your flexibility and willingness to adapt. Share examples of how you've successfully managed different kitchen environments or tackled unexpected challenges in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Select Recruitment Specialists Ltd
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your culinary skills and knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with different cuisines, kitchen management, and any specific techniques that are relevant to the role. This shows you're not just a chef, but a well-rounded culinary leader.
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
As a Relief Chef Manager, you'll be jumping between various kitchens. Prepare examples of how you've adapted to different environments or teams in the past. Highlighting your flexibility and ability to thrive under changing circumstances will impress the interviewers.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with the financial aspects of running a kitchen, such as stock control and dish costing. Being able to discuss how you can contribute to the business's bottom line will set you apart from other candidates who may focus solely on cooking.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and the specific challenges they face across different sites. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also helps you assess if this is the right fit for you.
