Relief Chef Jobs
Are You Looking For Relief Chef Recruitment Support?
Working as a chef doesn’t have to mean fixed hours, rigid contracts, or burning out in the same kitchen every week. More chefs than ever are choosing flexibility over routine, and relief chef jobs offer just that.
Whether you’re looking to fill gaps between permanent roles, gain experience in different venues, or simply want more control over your time, relief work allows you to do what you love on your terms.
At Chefshare, a leading chef recruitment agency, we connect experienced chefs with reputable venues across the UK looking for short-term or temporary support. We don’t just offer jobs; we help you build a flexible career that still values your time, skill, and experience.
What Does a Relief Chef Do?
A relief chef steps into kitchens that need temporary support; they offer reliable chefs when a kitchen in the industry needs them! This could be due to staff shortages, peak seasons, holidays, or unexpected absences. The role typically involves running a section, leading service, or covering for a head chef at short notice.
Relief work is different because you’re expected to hit the ground running. You bring stability to the kitchen from day one, even if the environment is new to you.
Relief chef work is ideal for those who are confident, experienced, and thrive in fast-paced settings. You’ll often need to adapt quickly, communicate clearly, and maintain high standards without lengthy onboarding or hand-holding. This role rewards initiative and pays well.
LATEST POSITIONS VIEW ALL
Temporary
Agency chef
- £14 - £23 Per Hour
- Torquay
Temporary
Agency chef
- 14 - £23 Per Hour
- Plymouth
Temporary
Agency chef
- 14 - £23 Per Hour
- Exeter
Permanent
Chef de Partie
- £33,000
- Lancashire
Permanent
- £25k - £30K
My Career turned around the day I decided to work with ChefShare. The support and opportunities they provide are second to none
Chef Janet K - Plymouth
Why Choose Relief Chef Jobs?
The most significant advantage of relief chef work is flexibility. You choose when, where, and the type of kitchens you want to work in. That could mean covering weekend shifts in a city bistro, spending a few weeks in a countryside inn, or taking seasonal roles in coastal hotels.
You can keep your schedule busy or space out assignments; it’s completely up to you.
Many chefs use relief roles to explore different cuisines, build their network, or keep things fresh after years in the same venue. It’s also a great option if you’re between permanent positions or testing the waters before committing to something long-term.
The variety keeps things interesting, sharpens your skills, and expands your experience.
Relief Chef Jobs Near Me
If you’re searching for relief chef jobs near me, we can help you find opportunities near home. Not every chef wants to travel far or relocate, and with Chefshare’s national network, we can source jobs in your area that match your experience and availability.
From local pubs and restaurants to catering companies and contract caterers, we work with clients who regularly need short-term support.
We understand that flexibility doesn’t mean compromising on quality. That’s why we only work with trusted venues that treat relief chefs with the respect and professionalism they deserve. When we send you to a kitchen, we know it’s a good fit, not just because there’s a gap to fill.
Temporary Chef Jobs With Long-Term Benefits
While relief work is technically short-term, it can open doors to long-term opportunities. Many chefs are offered temporary jobs that lead to repeat bookings or permanent positions if the fit is right. Even if you prefer to stay freelance, building a strong reputation across multiple kitchens increases your options and earning potential over time.
Temporary roles also give you insight into how different businesses operate, which can be invaluable if you plan to open your kitchen one day or step into a leadership role. And because you’re constantly adapting, you become more versatile, efficient, and confident in your ability.
Live-In Relief Chef Jobs Available
For chefs open to relocation or those who enjoy a change of scenery, we offer live-in relief chef jobs throughout the UK. These roles often come with accommodation provided, so you can focus on the work without worrying about travel or housing.
Live-in opportunities are especially common in seasonal venues such as holiday resorts, event caterers, country hotels, and rural pubs.
They’re perfect if you want to explore new locations while earning and developing your career. Whether it’s a few weeks or an extended placement, we’ll make sure it’s a role that works for your goals.
Relief Chef Agency Support with Chefshare
Choosing the right relief chef agency makes all the difference. At Chefshare, we take time to understand your experience, preferences, and goals. We don’t just send you into kitchens without a plan; we brief you properly, communicate clearly, and support you throughout every booking.
We offer consistent work, competitive pay, and the kind of respect from knowing how tough kitchen life can be. Our team has hands-on experience in hospitality, so we understand the pressures and expectations. That’s why we only work with clients who value the chefs we send their way.
Whether you want to be busy every week or pick up work as it suits you, we’re here to help you maximise your skills.
Is a Relief Chef Role Right for You?
Relief chef work suits confident professionals who enjoy variety, independence, and the challenge of stepping into different kitchens. If you like structure and consistency, a permanent role might be better.
Still, relief work can be incredibly rewarding if you enjoy new experiences and want more control over your schedule.
It’s also an ideal path for chefs who want to work freelance, transition between roles, or build experience across multiple venues without long-term commitments. With the right support and planning, you can shape a flexible career that offers freedom and opportunity.
Start Your Relief Chef Job Search Today
Ready to take the next step in your chef career? Whether you’re new to relief work or already a seasoned freelance chef, we’re here to help you find the right opportunities.
Contact Chefshare today to register your interest or browse our current vacancies. We’ll help you find relief chef jobs that suit your skills, availability, and ambitions.
Because great kitchens need great chefs, even if it’s just for a short while.
Ready to Find the Right Head Chef Job?
Whether you’re looking for stability, flexibility, or something in between, Chefshare is ready to help you take the next step in your culinary career. We know how important it is to find the right fit for your resume and life.
Visit our jobs page here to find out what positions we currently have available for head chefs; we regularly update our job alerts on this page, meaning you will find the most recent jobs any time you check! We’ve got your back if you’re looking for head chef jobs in the UK.