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- Tasks: Lead kitchens across the Southern region, ensuring high standards in food and operations.
- Company: Join a stable and growing group in the food and beverage industry.
- Benefits: Earn up to £50,000, enjoy a car allowance, and have all expenses covered.
- Other info: Enjoy daytime hours with a flexible travel schedule across multiple sites.
- Why this job: Experience variety in your role with no two weeks the same, while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Senior kitchen experience with strong leadership skills and fresh food credentials.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Tonic is assisting our client in their search for a Southern Relief Head Chef to support their F&B operation across the Southern estate. Working closely with site teams and regional leadership, you will step into kitchens across the region to cover holidays, transitions, sickness and openings, keeping standards high and operations running smoothly.
What's in it for the successful Relief Head Chef?
- Competitive salary up to £50,000 basic
- Car allowance from day one, with a company car after six months (choose from the available list)
- All expenses covered, including overnight accommodation where required
- Five days out of seven, with some weekend work
- Daytime hours - no evenings, ever
- Discretional, annual company-wide bonus
- A varied, autonomous role across multiple sites
- A long-term home with a stable, growing group
As Relief Head Chef, you will lead unfamiliar teams from day one, deliver to our clients' high standards for fresh food across a high-volume food and beverage operation, and serve as the operational safety net for the northern estate. Variety is the job - no two weeks are the same, but the standards never move.
What key skills are we looking for in the successful Relief Head Chef?
- Senior kitchen experience
- Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef level
- Multi-site, group or contract catering background ideal
- Natural leader who walks into any kitchen and earns respect quickly
- Calm under pressure, especially in unfamiliar teams
- Strong fresh food credentials - scratch cooking, prep, sauces, butchery
- Volume-comfortable and weekend-ready
- Highly organised and self-managing
- Adaptable and resilient - the relief mindset is real
- Clean driving licence and genuine flexibility for regular travel
We're looking for someone living within easy reach of the Southern region - ideally Gloucester. You'll be on the road most days, so geography matters.
If you are interested in this role or actively looking for a new career opportunity, please get in touch today.
Relief Head Chef in Cheltenham employer: Tonic Talent
Contact Detail:
Tonic Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Head Chef in Cheltenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the culinary world and let them know you're on the lookout for a Relief Head Chef role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your chef's portfolio ready! Showcase your best dishes, highlight your experience in high-volume kitchens, and include any accolades you've received. A well-presented portfolio can really set you apart when meeting potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Prepare for common questions about leading teams and handling pressure in unfamiliar kitchens. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident and articulate during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Head Chef in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your senior kitchen experience and any relevant roles you've held, like Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef. We want to see how you've led teams and maintained high standards in your previous positions.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for.
Be Yourself: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for natural leaders who can earn respect quickly, so don’t be afraid to show us your unique approach to kitchen management and teamwork.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tonic Talent
✨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 fresh food, scratch cooking, and any specific techniques like butchery or sauce preparation. This will show that you’re not just a leader, but also a hands-on chef who knows their way around the kitchen.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Relief Head Chef, you'll need to step into various kitchens and lead unfamiliar teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to earn respect quickly and maintain high standards, even when the environment is new to you.
✨Be Ready for the Road
Since this role involves regular travel across the Southern region, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and driving experience. Mention any previous roles where you had to adapt to different locations or teams, and how you managed those transitions smoothly.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the company’s values and their approach to food and beverage operations. Being able to align your personal values with theirs will demonstrate that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely want to contribute to their success. This can set you apart from other candidates.