Head Chef Jobs

Are you ready to lead a kitchen and drive culinary excellence? Head Chef jobs are high-level roles for experienced professionals looking to take charge of a fast-paced, creative, and rewarding environment. Whether you're stepping up from a different position or searching for your next challenge, we offer a wide range of Head Chef opportunities across restaurants, hotels, event venues, and more, with permanent, temporary, and flexible roles available.

Search 116 vacancies
Forest Row, East Sussex
£27000.00 - £35000.00 per annumFull-time
We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and reliable Chef to join our friendly kitchen team. A well-established residential outdoor education setting nestled in the heart of East Sussex. If you're passionate about developing your culinary skills in a supportive environment and want to be part of...
Plymouth, Devon
Up to £18.36 per dayTemporaryExeterFull Time
Chef managers required for a cafe in St Austell, PL25 4 Various shifts/days working 5 out of 7 days Ongoing temporary positions with full time work available for the right person. Hiring multiple candidates, immediate starts To find out more please email your CV and a brief intro to - or call...
Romsey, Hampshire
Up to £28000.00 per annum + Work Life BalancePermanentHospitality and CateringSpecialist Catering Perms
Chef de Partie - Luxury Retirement Village Nestled within beautifully maintained grounds our village comprises 155 luxury properties and offers residents access to a private health club, library, restaurant, and on-demand care services. We are currently recruiting for a Chef de Partie to...
Romsey, Hampshire
Up to £14.00 per hour + Term Time Specialist Catering PermsHospitality and CateringPart-time
Chef Manager - Romsey - Contract Catering - Term Time £14p/h -Shift is Monday-Friday 8.30-2pm (25hrs) -Managing a team of 2 -Catering for up to 250 (number on roll, not uptake) -Catering for lunch service daily, and evening parent events/inset days etc where applicable Our client is a...
Winchester, Hampshire
Up to £12.82 per hour + Term Time PermanentHospitality and CateringSpecialist Catering Perms
Chef Manager M-F, 8am - 2.30pm Catering up to 240 but potential to increase (378 on roll) Team of 3 GA's, Allergens are key here as there are a lot and some bespoke ones, need to also be really heavy on the client management area. Our client is a market-leading contract catering company...
Sleaford, Lincolnshire
£NegotiableFull TimeHospitality and CateringTemporaryNottinghamSchool FriendlyCaterplus
School chef - Sleaford About Us: Blue Arrow provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for our education clients. We believe that nutritious and delicious meals are essential to student's well-being and academic success. Job Description: We are seeking a talented and passionate School...
Sherborne, Dorset
Up to £12.35 per hour + Term Time Hospitality and CateringPermanentSpecialist Catering Perms
Breakfast Chef - Contract Catering Location: Sherborne Hours: 6:30am - 2:30pm, Monday to Friday Term Time Only: 44 weeks per year Contract Type: Permanent, Term-Time Live-In: Not available Pay: £12.35 per hour (Approx. £20,377.50 annually based on 37.5 hours/week) About the Role We are...
Birmingham, West Midlands
£15.00 - £18.00 per hourHospitality and CateringBirminghamFull TimeTemporary
Blue Arrow are recruiting for experienced chefs to work with our clients across multiple sites in the Birmingham and Wolverhampton area. Working predominantly in the education sector, your main duties will include: - Cook and prepare high quality dishes to set menu spec - Supervise all kitchen...
Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire
Up to £18.00 per hourHospitality and CateringFull TimeHigh WycombeTemporary
Key Responsibilities: * Lead and inspire the kitchen team to deliver exceptional culinary experiences. * Develop innovative menus that showcase seasonal and local ingredients. * Ensure high standards of food quality, presentation, and hygiene. * Manage kitchen operations, including inventory,...
London
£15 - £24 per hour + Pension & HolidayHospitality and CateringFull-timeFull TimeTootingCompass Group
Care Home and School Chef Opportunities: Menu planning and recipe development, overseeing all aspects of food preparation and cooking, managing kitchen staff, ensuring food quality and presentation, maintaining food safety and hygiene standards, managing inventory and controlling food costs,...

Head Chef Opportunities in the UK

From fine dining restaurants in London to boutique hotels in the countryside, the demand for skilled Head Chefs is strong across the UK. Employers are looking for culinary leaders who can balance creativity with organisation and lead by example in the kitchen.

Head Chef jobs in the UK span a variety of settings and service styles. In each case, you’ll be expected to deliver consistent quality, manage food safety compliance, and maintain cost-effective kitchen operations. Many employers also offer perks such as bonuses, accommodation, and professional development support to attract and retain top talent.

Explore Head Chef Jobs by Workplace

Head Chef responsibilities remain broadly similar across the sector, but the day-to-day environment and focus can vary based on the workplace.

Restaurant Head Chef Jobs

In restaurants, Head Chefs play a central role in both the kitchen and the overall dining experience. From menu development to team training and food presentation, your job is to ensure each guest enjoys a high-quality meal. You’ll also be responsible for managing stock, sourcing ingredients, and liaising with front-of-house teams.

Hotel and Resort Kitchens

Head Chefs in hotels often oversee multiple dining services, from breakfast and à la carte to banquets and room service. These roles demand strong organisational and communication skills, as you’ll need to manage several kitchen teams and ensure consistency across all outlets.

Contract Catering and Institutional Head Chef Jobs

If you’re looking for a more structured work schedule, Head Chef roles in schools, hospitals, or corporate catering may be a good fit. These jobs focus on producing nutritious, large-volume meals within set budgets, often with clear dietary and safety requirements.

Event and Banqueting Head Chefs

Event catering is fast-paced and dynamic. Head Chefs in this sector lead kitchen teams through large-scale meal preparation for weddings, conferences, and festivals. This is a great option for those who thrive under pressure and enjoy high-volume service with tight deadlines.

Types of Head Chef Jobs

There’s a wide variety of Head Chef contracts available, from traditional full-time roles to temporary or freelance opportunities.

Full-Time Head Chef Jobs

Most Head Chef roles are full-time and come with long-term stability. These positions usually involve managing a dedicated team, taking responsibility for food quality and safety, and often offer additional benefits such as accommodation, bonuses, or training support.

Temporary and Relief Head Chef Roles

Short-term Head Chef jobs are often available to cover busy seasons, staff absences, or one-off events. Relief Head Chef work can be an excellent option for experienced chefs seeking flexibility, variety, or a freelance lifestyle.

Part-Time or Interim Head Chef Positions

While less common, part-time or interim roles do exist, particularly in smaller venues or consultancy-style arrangements. These can be ideal for those balancing other commitments while still staying active in the industry.

Skills and Qualities Needed for Head Chef Jobs

To succeed as a Head Chef, you'll need more than just culinary flair. Leadership, planning, and strong interpersonal skills are just as important. Essential attributes include:

  • Advanced cooking and plating skills
  • Strong kitchen leadership and team management
  • Food hygiene and safety knowledge (including HACCP)
  • Budget management and supplier negotiation
  • Ability to manage pressure in high-paced settings
  • Menu development and understanding of dietary trends

Many Head Chef jobs require qualifications such as NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery or equivalent industry experience, along with up-to-date Food Hygiene certifications.

Head Chef Jobs FAQ

What Does a Head Chef Do?

A Head Chef leads the kitchen team, plans menus, manages food preparation and service, ensures hygiene compliance, and oversees kitchen budgeting and stock control.

Do I Need Qualifications to Be a Head Chef?

While formal qualifications are often preferred, many chefs progress to Head Chef level through hands-on experience. Certifications in food safety and professional cookery are typically required or strongly recommended.

How Much Can I Earn as a Head Chef?

Salaries for Head Chefs in the UK typically range from £35,000 to £50,000 per year, depending on location, type of venue, and experience. Higher-end restaurants or group executive positions may offer more, alongside perks such as tips, bonuses, and accommodation.

What’s the Career Progression from Head Chef?

Many Head Chefs go on to become Executive Chefs, Group Head Chefs, or Food and Beverage Managers. Some move into consultancy, teaching, or open their own food businesses.