Relief Head Chef

Compass Group UK; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company seeks a Relief Head Chef in London to join their culinary team. The role involves leading kitchen operations across multiple venues, ensuring high food standards and compliance with safety protocols. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in senior kitchen roles with a passion for culinary excellence and team development.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen teams across a variety of venues.
• Deliver exceptional dishes while maintaining high standards.
• Train and motivate kitchen teams.

Skills

Culinary skills

Leadership

Team training

Food safety knowledge

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery

Job description

Relief Head Chef - £50,000-£52,000 PA
5 days out of 7 (including evenings and weekends as required)
Travel beyond London and surrounding area 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.