Relief Head Chef

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

Job summary

A leading catering company seeks a talented Relief Head Chef to join their culinary team across various venues. In this mobile role, you'll lead kitchen operations, deliver exceptional dishes, and maintain high food safety standards. Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership skills and an NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery, demonstrating a passion for culinary excellence and team development.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Head Chef or senior kitchen leadership role.
• Outstanding culinary skills across diverse cuisines.
• Strong leadership and team training experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen teams and support operations as Head Chef.
• Deliver exceptional dishes and maintain high standards.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and reduce waste.

Skills

Culinary skills

Leadership

Food safety knowledge

Cost control

Team training

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.