Job Introduction
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.