Find Chef Jobs in UK

The UK offers abundant opportunities for chefs seeking rewarding culinary careers across restaurants, hotels, catering companies and food establishments of all types. With steady demand for skilled cooking professionals, job seekers can tap into excellent chef vacancies nationwide. This article explores where to find the latest chef jobs in UK listings, key skills required, average UK salaries, job search tips and steps to launching a standout culinary career.

Overview of Chef Opportunities

Talented chefs are consistently needed across the UK’s hospitality sector including:

• Upscale restaurants and hotel restaurants
• Pubs, bars and casual dining chains
• Corporate and event caterers
• Cruise ships, ferries and aviation catering services
• Meal-kit companies and food manufacturers
• Private households, families and estates
• Care homes and hospitals
• Schools, universities, armed forces bases
• Food trucks, pop-ups and mobile catering

Openings span permanent and part-time roles, junior commis chef through to head chef jobs in UK. Options exist across major cities and regional areas.

Top UK Chef Job Boards

Key online resources to find the latest chef jobs in UK include:

• Great British Chefs Jobs
• The Caterer Jobs
• Monster Hospitality Jobs
• Indeed Chef Jobs
• Total Jobs Chef Jobs
• CV-Library Chef Jobs
• Reed Chef Jobs
• Gumtree Chef Jobs
• Jobsite Chef Jobs

Also check listings directly on restaurant, hotel and catering company websites. Sign up for custom job alerts to be notified of new openings.

Typical Responsibilities of a Chef jobs in UK

• Developing menus, dishes and recipes from conception to plating
• Ordering ingredients and managing food/supplier budgets
• Cooking and preparing high quality dishes for a la carte or set menus
• Managing contamination risks and upholding food hygiene standards
• Supervising, training and delegating tasks to junior kitchen staff
• Coordinating kitchen workflow during busy meal services
• Inspecting dishes before sending out to ensure quality

Expected Chef Salaries in the UK

Salaries for chef roles in the UK typically range:

• Commis Chef – £17,000 – £21,000
• Sous Chef – £21,000 – £25,000
• Head Chef – £28,000 – £33,000
• Executive Chef – £35,000 – £45,000+

Factors like employer, location, experience and kitchen size greatly impact earnings. Self-employed catering chefs can make £200-£500+ daily.

Key Qualifications and Skills Needed

To get hired for chef jobs in UK you typically require:

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2, 3 or 4 Professional Cookery
• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate
• COSHH, Health and Safety certificates
• Apprenticeships at quality restaurants

Experience

• Proven background as sous chef or head chef
• Cuisine specialities – sushi, patisserie, plant-based etc
• High end dining or banquets catering

Key Attributes

• Creativity, organisational and leadership skills
• Resilience to handle high pressure kitchen environments
• Excellent time management and ability to multitask
• Attention to detail and consistency
• Teamwork, communication and interpersonal abilities
• Passion for creating new dishes and improving menus

Where to Find Chef jobs in UK

Useful chef job search resources include:

• Hospitality job boards like The Caterer, Great British Chefs
• Mainstream boards – Indeed, TotalJobs, Monster, Reed
• Social media groups for UK chefs and hospitality
• Restaurant/hotel websites – browse careers/jobs pages
• Job centres and Government Find a Job portal
• Recruitment agencies specialising in chefs – Key Recruitment
• Industry publications – The Staff Canteen, Big Hospitality
• Attending hospitality networking events and job fairs
• Getting recommendations from chef contacts

Setting up custom job alerts and tailored CV profiles on key sites also helps.

Explore the UK’s Culinary Job Market

If you’re looking for cooking jobs in the UK, you’re in the right place. The UK’s food industry is booming, with a vast range of chef jobs in UK  available for culinary enthusiasts and professionals alike. From kitchen jobs to catering jobs, there are opportunities to suit all preferences and skill sets.

Chef Job Search

When embarking on a chef job search, it’s essential to consider your goals and aspirations. Are you looking for a Michelin-starred restaurant or a bustling gastropub? Knowing your preferred working environment can help you narrow down your search and find the perfect fit for you.

For chef jobs in the UK can be found through various channels, including job boards and recruitment agencies. It’s also worth keeping an eye on industry-specific publications and social media groups for the latest openings.

Food Industry Careers

The UK’s food industry offers a wealth of career opportunities beyond traditional chef jobs in UK . If you’re interested in food but prefer a different role, there are options available in food PR, food writing, and food photography, to name a few. These careers can be just as rewarding as working in a kitchen, and they allow you to explore different aspects of the industry.

Chef Career Opportunities in the UK

The UK’s culinary job market is diverse, offering chef career opportunities in various sectors. Whether you’re looking to specialize in a particular cuisine or work your way up the ranks in a large kitchen, there’s something for everyone.

Chef Position	Description
Commis Chef	Entry-level position, providing support to chefs in a kitchen.
Chef de Partie	Responsible for a specific section of the kitchen and managing a team of commis chefs.
Sous Chef	Assists the head chef in managing the kitchen and overseeing staff, menu planning, and kitchen operations.
Head Chef	Responsible for all aspects of kitchen operations, including staff management, menu planning, and ensuring a high standard of food preparation and service.

Hiring for Chefs in the UK

As the UK’s food industry continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled chef jobs in UK . If you’re looking to hire a chef, there are various channels to explore, including job boards, recruitment agencies, and social media networks.

When hiring for chef jobs in UK, it’s essential to consider your needs and the type of chef you require. Are you looking for a head chef to manage your kitchen or a commis chef to provide support? Knowing your requirements can help you streamline your search and find the perfect candidate for your team.

Tips for Getting Hired as a UK Chef

• Highlight experience in Michelin-starred or AA rosette kitchens
• Get great references from previous head chefs
• Showcase advanced technical skills and specialities
• Emphasize creativity, attention to detail and passion for the role
• Describe approaches for tight time constraints and fast turnarounds
• Stay updated on the latest food and kitchen trends
• Refresh key knowledge like food hygiene before interviews
• Research the restaurant’s style and menu before applying
• Be active on LinkedIn and social media to build your profile
• Consider freelancing or taking stages to quickly gain broader experience
• Relocate for the best opportunities – major cities offer most openings

Proving your dedication, expertise and eagerness will get you noticed by discerning UK employers seeking chef talent.

Conclusion

For aspiring chefs, the UK provides varied opportunities to gain valuable experience across quality restaurants and establishments nationwide. Developing advanced technical abilities and showcasing creativity will appeal to employers. Temporary, junior and part-time roles enable new chefs to get a foot in the door. With passion and persistence, exciting culinary careers await in one of the world’s leading dining destinations.

Find Chef Jobs in UK – FAQs

What are the best websites for chef jobs in the UK?

The Caterer, Great British Chefs Jobs, Monster Hospitality, Indeed Chef Jobs, Total Jobs Chef, CV-Library Chef Jobs.

What qualifications do you need to become a chef in the UK?

NVQ Level 2, 3 or 4 in Professional Cookery. Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate. COSHH, Health and Safety certificates.

How much does chef training cost in the UK?

Costs range from £600 – £10,000+ depending on level. NVQ Level 2 is approx. £1,500. Apprenticeships subsidized for under 25s.

Are there good chef opportunities outside of London?

Yes, major cities like Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh all have great openings. Affluent smaller towns also need chefs.

What makes a great chef CV?

Showcase experience, qualifications, technical skills and cuisine specialities. Emphasize achievements. Get references from reputable establishments. Keep format professional.