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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, a discretionary bonus, and the chance to travel.
- 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 and fresh food skills required.
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 Northampton. 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 Kettering employer: Tonic Talent
Contact Detail:
Tonic Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Head Chef in Kettering
✨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 strong portfolio can really set you apart when you're stepping into unfamiliar kitchens.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your adaptability! Since you'll be jumping into different kitchens, brush up on your skills in various cuisines and cooking techniques. Being versatile will help you earn respect quickly and keep those standards high.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find the right opportunities. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, don’t hesitate—get your application in and let’s get you that Relief Head Chef position!
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Head Chef in Kettering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your senior kitchen experience and any relevant roles you've held. We want to see how you've led teams and managed high-volume operations, so don’t hold back on those details!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your application for this specific role. Mention your adaptability and resilience, especially in unfamiliar kitchens, as these are key traits we’re looking for in our Relief Head Chef.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff. Remember, we want to know why you’re the perfect fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 the ins and outs of the kitchen.
✨Show 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 and its values before the interview. Knowing their approach to food and beverage operations will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for. Show enthusiasm for their mission and how you can contribute to maintaining their high standards across multiple sites.