At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, fresh meals across various locations while leading kitchen activities.
- Company: Join a top-notch contract catering business with a focus on quality and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, travel expenses, and the chance for career advancement.
- Other info: Flexible hours, predominantly Mon-Fri, with opportunities for evening events.
- Why this job: Work in diverse environments, showcase your culinary skills, and make an impact.
- Qualifications: Experience as a chef with a passion for fresh food and leadership.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 36000 £ per year.
Tonic have been chosen to source a roaming / relief chef for one of our client's contract catering businesses located in the North-West. The exact locations and business that you cover will depend on demand. You must be a driver and have your own vehicle. Working for this great company in this role could well lead to a position within a key site.
Due to the style of our clients' sites, the work is predominantly Mon-Fri daytime only. Role will include working at B&I sites along with independent schools, start times are around 7.00am until 3:30pm, 40 hours per week. Travel time would not form part of working hours; candidate must be willing to travel nationwide occasionally. A degree of flexibility will be required to work on the occasional evening function. Expenses paid at £0.35p per mile.
Our client is an established contract catering business and they are looking for roaming chefs who want to work with the very best, creating delicious and nutritious food for their customers.
Responsibilities
- Roaming/relief chef duties across B&I sites and independent schools as required.
- Lead kitchen activities with a focus on fresh, high-quality food.
- Manage kitchen operations and ensure consistency in food quality and presentation.
- Support financial aspects of the kitchen where applicable (e.g., cost control, portioning).
- Be flexible for occasional evening functions and nationwide travel as demand dictates.
- Drive own vehicle to locations as needed and manage travel logistics.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Experience as a chef with leadership in a fresh food environment.
- Passionate about food, fresh produce, the kitchen, and cooking.
- Willingness to take on new challenges in a kitchen that values hard work, quality, dedication, and high standards without sacrificing enjoyment.
- Experience in managing the financial aspects of a kitchen is desirable.
- Eligibility to live and work in the UK (candidates MUST prove eligibility).
Tonic are only interested in hearing from driven, passionate candidates who are serious about their career. We offer an unrivalled service, open and honest communication and an ongoing career consultancy which is the envy of our competitors.
We are sorry, but due to the volume of applications that we receive we are only able to respond to candidates who are successful at this stage.
Relief Chef employer: Tonic Talent
As an Executive Head Chef with our esteemed catering company in Somerset, you will enjoy a competitive salary of up to £75,000 per annum, alongside a comprehensive benefits package and relocation support. Our vibrant work culture fosters creativity and collaboration, allowing you to lead a passionate team in one of the most ambitious catering operations in the sector, while also providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Tonic Talent. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Tonic Talent
Don't be shy about reaching out to Tonic Talent directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Tonic Talent and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tonic Talent
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
