At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as an Event Chef, prepping and cooking at exciting events across beautiful locations.
- Company: Tomtain Recruitment connects talented chefs with top-quality event catering opportunities.
- Benefits: Earn £15-£20 per hour, with weekly pay and holiday accrual. Travel costs covered for distant events.
- Why this job: Experience diverse kitchens, learn new techniques, and enjoy flexible shifts that fit your lifestyle.
- Qualifications: A positive attitude, reliability, and a willingness to adapt to various kitchen environments are essential.
- Other info: Perfect for students or those with other commitments looking to earn extra cash in a fun setting.
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.
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 is essential. 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.
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 areas
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the types of events and venues in Elie, Kinross, Fife, and St. Andrews. Understanding the local culinary scene and popular event types can help you tailor your approach and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with other chefs and event caterers in the area. Attend local food festivals or culinary events to meet potential colleagues and employers. Building relationships can lead to recommendations and insider information about job openings.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to demonstrate your adaptability in various kitchen environments. During any informal chats or interviews, share examples of how you've successfully adjusted to different cooking styles or kitchen setups in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your positive attitude and reliability. Employers are looking for chefs who can be dependable and maintain a good spirit under pressure. Highlight any experiences where your attitude made a difference in a challenging situation.
We think you need these skills to ace Event Chefs - Elie, Kinross, Fife, St. Andrews and surrounding areas
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in event catering and any specific skills that align with the job description. Emphasise your adaptability to different kitchen environments and your ability to work under pressure.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and event catering. Mention specific experiences where you've successfully adapted to various kitchen settings or worked with high-quality produce, as this is crucial for the role.
Highlight Your Attitude: In your application, stress your positive attitude and reliability. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these traits in previous roles, as they are key qualities the employer is looking for.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential in the culinary field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tomtain Recruitment
✨Show Your Culinary Passion
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for cooking and event catering. Share specific experiences where you’ve worked with high-quality produce or in prestigious kitchens, as this will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Highlight your ability to adapt to different kitchen environments and event types. Provide examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in past roles, whether in a marquee setup or a historic venue, to show that you can handle the variety of events they cater.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Reliability
Make sure to convey your reliability and teamwork skills. Discuss instances where you’ve collaborated effectively with others in a busy kitchen setting, and stress your punctuality and dependability, as these traits are crucial for event chefs.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios that may arise during an event, such as managing a busy service or ensuring food safety. This preparation will show that you understand the demands of the role and are ready to take on responsibility.