Roaming Chef

St Barts Brewery; Staplehurst; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality group is seeking a Roaming Chef for an initial 6-month fixed-term contract with potential for permanence. The role involves providing operational support across various sites, managing kitchen teams, and ensuring food quality. The ideal candidate has experience in premium hospitality and must be willing to travel. Compensation is competitive with additional perks, including discounts and birthday benefits.

Benefits

Up to £15ph plus TRONC & Mileage allowance

35% discount on food, drinks and stays

Complimentary birthday hotel stay for two

Access to Stream

Strong refer-a-friend scheme

Flexible hours for work/life balance

Accredited Wellbeing Promise employer

Qualifications

• Roaming Chefs have held a senior chef position in a premium pub or restaurant.
• Must have strong food knowledge and kitchen management skills.
• Willingness to work away from home during the week.

Responsibilities

• Provide cover during holidays, sickness and absence.
• Support day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Manage gross profit and stock controls.

Skills

Communication skills

Passion for fresh ingredients

Leadership

Understanding kitchen numbers

Food safety standards knowledge

Job description

Roaming Chef (6-Month FTC, Potential to Go Permanent)

Balfour Hospitality – London, East Sussex, Kent & the Cotswolds

Balfour Hospitality operates ten premium pubs and inns alongside the award-winning Balfour Winery. Our sites offer exceptional food, great drinks and boutique rooms across Central London, East Sussex, Kent and the Cotswolds.

We’re looking for a Roaming Chef to support our kitchens on an initial 6-month fixed-term contract, with the opportunity to go permanent. The ideal candidate will be local to Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells or surrounding areas and don't mind a bit of travel with the potential to stay away a night or two a week.

The Role

Our Roaming Sous Chefs move between sites, providing cover during holidays, sickness and absence, and ensuring smooth, consistent kitchen operations.

This hands‑on operational support role includes:

• Supporting day‑to‑day kitchen operations
• Assisting with rotas and kitchen organisation
• Managing gross profit and stock controls
• Contributing to menu development
• Leading and developing kitchen teams during service
• Maintaining high standards of food quality and safety

Once a kitchen is stable and secure, you move on to the next. This role requires regular travel and staying away from home during the working week (accommodation provided).

What We Offer

• Up to £15ph plus TRONC & Mileage allowance
• 35% discount on food, drinks and stays across all Balfour pubs and Balfour Winery
• Complimentary birthday hotel stay for two, including a bottle of bubbles
• Access to Stream
• A strong refer‑a‑friend scheme
• Flexible hours to support work/life balance
• Accredited Wellbeing Promise employer

About You

Roaming Chefs at Balfour Hospitality:

• Have held a senior chef position in a premium pub or restaurant
• Communicate well with both guests and teams
• Are passionate about fresh, seasonal ingredients
• Lead by example and motivate their team
• Understand kitchen numbers and financial performance
• Maintain excellent HACCP, COSHH and Food Safety standards

You will also need:

• Experience in premium hospitality
• Strong food knowledge and kitchen management skills
• A full driving licence and your own vehicle
• Willingness to work away from home during the week (accommodation provided)

Apply

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and can offer reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.

Get in touch: [e-mail]