At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as an Event Chef, prepping and cooking at exciting venues.
- Company: Tomtain Recruitment connects chefs with top-quality event catering opportunities.
- Benefits: Earn £15-£20 per hour, with weekly pay and holiday accrual.
- Why this job: Perfect for those seeking flexible work while honing culinary skills in diverse settings.
- Qualifications: A positive attitude and reliability are key; experience in kitchens is a plus.
- Other info: Travel costs covered for distant events; enjoy a supportive work environment.
We are currently recruiting Event Chefs to work at a variety of different events in Elie, Kinross, Fife, St. Andrews and the surrounding areas. Most of our events are with a small selection of high-quality event caterers in interesting venues, working with top quality produce.
The standards of food at events can be anything from those expected in multi award winning kitchens with Michelin stars, AA Rosettes, and other accolades as well as more basic events with simple menus offering traditional Scottish classics and anywhere in-between.
The most common requests are for chefs to come and support an event kitchen with on-the-day prep, set up, cooking, plating and clean-down of the event kitchen. Depending on the event, you may be asked to:
- Run a station or section during service.
- Prepare and carry out prep lists to ensure mise en place is ready.
- Be willing to adapt to kitchens that can be anywhere from a marquee set up, to a high-profile historic venue, all with their own different challenges.
- Log temperature checks, keep the kitchen clean and tidy and carry out any other health & hygiene practices.
- Take overall responsibility running the kitchen for more senior bookings.
The reasons chefs choose event work, and the type of person that takes on these roles are varied. Many have full or part-time jobs and enjoy working in a different environment for the occasional shift, learning new dishes and techniques, while earning some extra money. Some have other commitments from family, study, and hobbies through to other jobs such as offshore working or another part-time role. Many of the chefs we work with also have their own business and top up their work with event chef shifts as and when available.
The most important thing is that you have a good attitude, are dependable, and are willing to work to the specs, recipes, and standards that each client requests.
What we ask of you:
- Attitude is arguably the most important aspect of being a great relief chef. We look for people who can adapt to different kitchens, and have a helpful, positive, grown-up approach to work.
- Reliability and turning up in a timely manner to events.
- Try and be reasonably flexible when considering events - the more you do well, the more you will be offered.
Having worked with thousands of relief chefs over a twenty-year period we understand that there are plenty of good agencies out there, and many who miss the mark. We build long-term relationships with our chefs, and our clients. We take the welfare of our candidates seriously and that is one reason why we have worked with many for such a long time. We promise we will:
- Do our best to offer events that will be suitable for you based on your experience and what you have told us you are looking for.
- Try to work with good employers who pay and treat their relief chefs well.
- Deal with any issues promptly, seeing them through until resolved.
- Ensure all details of bookings are communicated clearly, efficiently, and promptly.
- If a workplace repeatedly falls short of our expectations, we will stop working with them - we want to send you to good, respectful, fair kitchens.
- Process wages, holiday pay and other queries quickly and accurately.
Event Chef work is paid weekly on an hourly basis, one week in hand. We pay good rates, for interesting and varied work. Depending on the booking you take on, hourly rates vary between £15 to £20 per hour. For events that are a little further afield, you will usually be paid your travel costs to the booking.
For event chef bookings you will:
- Get paid weekly on a PAYE basis on a Friday.
- Accrue holiday pay in addition to the quoted hourly rate for every hour worked.
- Receive a weekly payslip.
- Be eligible for a workplace pension after 3 months.
Tomtain Recruitment offers the services of an employment agency for permanent work and an employment business for temporary work. Tomtain Recruitment is acting as an employment business in relation to this vacancy (except for any bookings where you are employed directly by the client, in which case we are acting as an employment agency).
Event Chefs - Elie / Kinross / Fife / St. Andrews and surrounding area employer: Tomtain Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Tomtain Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Event Chefs - Elie / Kinross / Fife / St. Andrews and surrounding area
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the types of events we cater for. Understanding the range from Michelin-starred to traditional Scottish classics will help you adapt your skills and showcase your versatility during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with other chefs and event professionals in the area. Attend local culinary events or workshops to build connections that could lead to recommendations or insights about upcoming opportunities with us.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your adaptability by sharing experiences where you've successfully worked in different kitchen environments. Highlighting your ability to handle various challenges will make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your positive attitude and reliability in any interactions you have with us. Being dependable and having a can-do approach is crucial in the event catering industry, and it will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Event Chefs - Elie / Kinross / Fife / St. Andrews and surrounding area
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in event catering or similar roles. Emphasise any work you've done in high-pressure environments and your ability to adapt to different kitchen settings.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and event work. Mention specific skills that align with the job description, such as your ability to run a station during service or your experience with high-quality produce.
Showcase Your Attitude: In your application, convey your positive attitude and reliability. Use examples from past experiences where you demonstrated flexibility and a helpful approach in challenging situations.
Highlight Relevant Skills: List any specific culinary skills or techniques you possess that are relevant to the role. This could include knowledge of health and hygiene practices, experience with traditional Scottish dishes, or proficiency in preparing mise en place.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tomtain Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in various kitchen environments. Highlight any specific techniques or dishes you excel at, especially those relevant to event catering.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Since the role involves working in diverse settings, emphasise your ability to adapt to different kitchens and menus. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in past roles.
✨Emphasise Your Positive Attitude
A good attitude is crucial for this role. Be sure to convey your enthusiasm for event work and your willingness to collaborate with others, as well as your commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewer
Have a few thoughtful questions ready about the types of events you'll be working on or the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.