Regional Relief Chef Manager

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and professional Regional Relief Chef Manager to join our organization in Watford and surround area's, United Kingdom. In this pivotal relief role, you will provide essential cover and support across our regional kitchen operations at short notice, ensuring consistent culinary excellence and operational efficiency. As a decisive leader with strong organizational skills, you will step into various kitchen environments, manage teams effectively, maintain rigorous food safety standards, and deliver exceptional results in fast-paced settings.

This is a permanent position offering the opportunity to make a significant impact across multiple locations.

Location: Central - Watford, Milton Keynes and Surrounding areas, willing to travel.

Salary: up to £39,000 includes travel paid

Benefits:

• 28 Days holiday including bank holidays
• Plus your birthday off
• 3 volunteering days
• 3 days grandparent leave
• 24 week’s enhanced maternity leave
• Secondary carer leave
• Wedding/commitment day leave
• Free meals on shift
• Bespoke training and development opportunities
• Apprenticeships opportunities for all experience levels
• Pension and life insurance
• Discounts available on our Perkboxapp; high street shops, holidays & cinema
• Wellbeing hub
• Access to employee assistance programme
• Cycle to work scheme

Key Responsibilities:

• Respond flexibly to operational demands and provide relief cover at short notice across assigned regional locations, maintaining consistent quality standards and operational procedures
• Lead and manage kitchen teams during relief shifts, providing clear direction and support to ensure smooth operations and team continuity
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, and plating to ensure compliance with organizational standards and health and safety regulations
• Conduct quality assurance checks and implement corrective actions to maintain service standards across all relief assignments
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of HACCP procedures and ensure full compliance with food safety legislation at all times
• Manage kitchen budgets, control costs, and optimize resource allocation during relief periods
• Conduct staff inductions and provide on-the-job training to support team development and operational continuity
• Create and manage staff rosters and schedules to ensure adequate coverage and operational efficiency
• Monitor inventory levels, manage stock rotation, and minimize food waste across multiple sites
• Liaise with regional management and other kitchen facilities to coordinate operations and share best practice
• Foster a positive, professional kitchen culture that prioritises safety, quality, and teamwork, even in temporary assignments

Qualifications:

• Extensive experience as a Chef or Kitchen Manager in high-volume food service environments
• Proven track record of successfully managing and leading kitchen teams
• Comprehensive knowledge of food safety, hygiene standards, and HACCP procedures
• Strong understanding of health and safety regulations within food service operations
• Excellent organisational and time-keeping skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Demonstrated ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing operational requirements
• Strong people skills and the ability to communicate effectively with teams at all levels
• Experience in budget management and cost control within kitchen operations
• Proficiency in scheduling and roster management systems
• Knowledge of multiple cuisine types and cooking techniques (desirable)
• Experience in training and mentoring kitchen staff (desirable)
• Problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to operational challenges
• Professional approach to health and safety compliance and quality assurance

Additional Information

For almost 20 years, for every client, in every location (whether that’s an office, stadium, cathedral or university), we have created beautiful spaces, exciting menus and friendly teams, so that each and every customer can have the hospitality experience they deserve.

We need the brightest and the best to join us to make this all possible. We will support you to create your hospitality legacy and build a career that you are proud of.

Our drive and belief in…