Relief Head Chef

Compass Group UK; England; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering firm in the UK is looking for an experienced Relief Head Chef to join their culinary team. This mobile position demands strong leadership and culinary skills across various cuisines, ensuring high food standards are met. The role includes training kitchen teams and compliance with food safety standards. If you are passionate about culinary excellence and adaptable to dynamic environments, this is your opportunity to shine in the food industry.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Head Chef or senior kitchen leadership role.
• Experience in fine dining, events catering, and/or retail food operations.
• Passion for sustainability in food sourcing and kitchen practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen teams across a variety of venues.
• Deliver exceptional dishes across diverse cuisines.
• Train and motivate kitchen teams to perform at their best.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Skills

Outstanding culinary skills across a variety of cuisines

Strong leadership and team training

Knowledge of food safety

Flexibility to travel

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery or equivalent

Job description

Relief Head Chef – £50,000-£52,000 PA

5 days out of 7 (including evenings and weekends as required)

Travel in the Hertfordshire/London area required as part of the role, travel to venues outside of this remit will be covered

RA Venues, part of the Compass Group, is seeking a talented and experienced Relief Head Chef to join our senior culinary team. This is a mobile role designed to uphold and elevate our food standards across the RA estate, stepping into leadership positions where needed and ensuring consistent culinary excellence.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead kitchen teams across a variety of venues, stepping in as Head Chef to support operations
• Deliver exceptional dishes across diverse cuisines, maintaining RA’s high standards
• Train and motivate kitchen teams to perform at their best
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards, GP management, and waste reduction
• Collaborate on seasonal menu innovation and concept development projects

What We’re Looking For:

Minimum Expectations:

• Proven experience in a Head Chef or senior kitchen leadership role
• Outstanding culinary skills across a variety of cuisines
• Strong leadership, team training, and people management experience
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, cost control, and kitchen operations
• Flexibility to travel and work across multiple locations
• NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent)

Desirable Qualities:

• Background in fine dining, events catering, and/or retail food operations
• Passion for sustainability in food sourcing and kitchen practices
• Experience in creative menu and concept development

You’ll Thrive in This Role If You Are:

• Positive, proactive, and solutions-focused
• Collaborative and adaptable - you enjoy a dynamic, ever-changing environment
• A passionate chef who leads by example and inspires others
• A proud ambassador of Compass Group and RA values

This is more than just a job — it’s an opportunity to be part of a culture that celebrates culinary excellence, innovation, and people-first leadership.