Chef

The Bear & Ragged Staff; Romsey; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bear & Ragged Staff requires a proactive Roaming Chef to support kitchen operations across Sussex & Hampshire. You will travel between company venues, covering holidays, peak periods, and openings, while maintaining high standards of food quality and safety. A full UK driving licence and own transport are essential.

Reporting to the Head Chef, you’ll adapt to different sites, menus, and teams, delivering consistent results and acting as a positive ambassador for the business.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Chef in a busy commercial kitchen.
• Strong understanding of food safety, HACCP and hygiene regulations.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and integrate quickly into different teams.
• Full UK driving licence and own transport.

Responsibilities

• Travel to and work at company venues across Sussex and Hampshire as directed by the Operations Team.
• Provide kitchen cover for holidays, sickness, vacancies, training, and busy trading periods.
• Support new site openings, menu launches, special events and operational projects when required.
• Adapt quickly to different kitchen environments, menus, and teams while maintaining company standards.
• Assist in training and developing junior chefs and kitchen staff.

Skills

Cooking

Food safety/HACCP

Time management

Teamwork

Communication skills

Driving licence

Job description

Job Title: Roaming Chef (Sussex & Hampshire)

Purpose of the Role

As a Roaming Chef, you will report to the Head Chef at your assigned site, or the Sous Chef in their absence. You will work across multiple company venues throughout Sussex and Hampshire, providing operational kitchen support wherever required. The purpose of this role is to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality food, maintain exceptional food safety and hygiene standards, and provide flexible cover during periods of annual leave, sickness, recruitment, business growth, and peak trading. The Roaming Chef is expected to uphold company standards at every location and act as a positive ambassador for the business.

Key Responsibilities

Multi‑Site Kitchen Support

• Travel to and work at company venues across Sussex and Hampshire as directed by the Operations Team.
• Provide kitchen cover for holidays, sickness, vacancies, training, and busy trading periods.
• Support new site openings, menu launches, special events, and operational projects when required.
• Adapt quickly to different kitchen environments, menus, and teams while maintaining company standards.

Food Preparation and Service

• Prepare, cook, and present food to company specifications and recipes.
• Ensure all food is consistently produced to the highest standards of quality, taste, and presentation.
• Monitor portion control and minimise food waste.
• Ensure all dishes leaving the kitchen meet company expectations.

Kitchen Operations

• Support the efficient day‑to‑day running of each kitchen.
• Work collaboratively with Head Chefs, Sous Chefs, and kitchen teams.
• Assist with service planning and organisation to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
• Promote a positive, professional, and supportive working environment.

Staff Support

• Assist in training and developing junior chefs and kitchen assistants.
• Share best practices and encourage consistency across all kitchens.
• Lead by example through professional conduct, teamwork, and high standards.

Stock Management

• Assist with stock control, ordering, stock rotation, and storage.
• Ensure food is stored safely and in accordance with food safety regulations.
• Support the control of food costs and reduction of waste.

Food Safety and Compliance

• Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness.
• Comply with all Food Safety, HACCP, Health & Safety, and company policies.
• Report equipment faults, maintenance issues, or safety concerns promptly.
• Ensure all legal and company food safety procedures are followed at every location.

Flexibility and Problem Solving

• Remain calm and organised under pressure.
• Resolve operational issues efficiently and professionally.
• Be flexible in working patterns to meet business needs, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and seasonal trading periods.

Travel & Expenses

• This is a multi‑site role requiring regular travel between company locations throughout Sussex and Hampshire.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a reliable vehicle are essential.
• Mileage for authorised business travel will be reimbursed in accordance with the Company's Expenses Policy.
• Where appropriate, travel time between company sites during the working day will be treated in line with company policy and current employment legislation.
• The Company reserves the right to change the locations covered by this role in line with business requirements.

Skills & Experience

• Previous experience as a Chef in a busy commercial kitchen.
• Strong understanding of food safety, HACCP, and hygiene legislation.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and integrate quickly into different teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible, adaptable, and professional.
• Full UK driving licence and own transport.

Personal Attributes

• Positive attitude and strong work ethic.
• Reliable and dependable.
• Calm under pressure.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Passion for delivering high‑quality food.
• Willingness to travel and work across multiple locations.

Reporting Line

The Roaming Chef reports operationally to the Head Chef or Sous Chef at the site where they are working and functionally to the Operations Team.

Other Duties

The duties outlined in this job description are not exhaustive. The Company reserves the right to amend responsibilities to meet changing business needs. Employees may be required to undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the nature and level of the role.

Compensation: Competitive salary