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.