Relief Head Chef

Compass Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering firm in Greater London is looking for a skilled Relief Head Chef to join the culinary team. In this mobile role, you will lead kitchen operations across various venues and maintain exceptional food standards. Candidates should have significant experience in senior culinary roles, strong leadership abilities, and a passion for innovative menu development. The position requires flexibility to travel and offers a dynamic work environment that values culinary excellence.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Head Chef or senior kitchen leadership role.
• Ability to train and motivate kitchen teams.
• Strong knowledge of cost control and kitchen operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen teams across venues and support operations.
• Deliver exceptional dishes while maintaining high standards.
• Collaborate on seasonal menu innovation.

Skills

Outstanding culinary skills across a variety of cuisines

Strong leadership and team management

Excellent 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:

• 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.