Work With US
Relief work, longer-term bookings, and permanent roles with kitchens that fit.
Optimal Chef Services supports chefs from Chef de Partie through to Head Chef level, offering relief work, longer-term temporary bookings, and permanent roles across the UK.
Most of our relief work is based in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and South Yorkshire, with chefs typically travelling less than an hour. Permanent placements are handled nationwide.
The business is led by chefs who understand kitchens from direct experience.
Relief and temporary work
The majority of relief work is booked week to week. Some chefs pick up regular bookings with the same venues and build strong working relationships over time.
We also support longer-term temporary placements. Some roles have lasted several months, offering consistency without tying you into a permanent role.
There is no minimum availability requirement, but weekends are busier, and chefs with stronger availability are prioritised when shifts are allocated.
Permanent opportunities
Alongside relief work, we regularly place chefs into full-time permanent roles. Many of these come from chefs who start with us on relief and are offered permanent positions by clients who already know and trust them.
If you are looking for your next full-time role, we can support that alongside relief work.
The kitchens we supply
We supply chefs into a wide range of environments, including:
Restaurants and gastropubs
Hotels
Care homes and schools
Events, from small fine dining through to large-scale operations serving thousands of covers a day
We do not send chefs out blindly. Every booking is matched based on your experience and the type of kitchen it suits.
You will always receive a client briefing sheet with your booking, so you know where you are going, what to expect, and how the kitchen operates before you arrive.
Travel and locations
Most relief shifts are within Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and South Yorkshire.
Travel is usually under an hour
Own transport makes life easier, but we can work around public transport where possible
Locations and expectations are communicated honestly before you accept a shift
No surprises.
Pay and payment
Rates are banded by role:
Chef de Partie
Sous Chef
Head Chef
Relief chefs:
Invoice us directly
Are paid weekly by bank transfer, every Monday
Permanent placements are handled separately, and we negotiate on your behalf where appropriate.
What we expect from chefs
We work with chefs who are:
Experienced at CDP level or above
Clean, organised, and reliable
Competent in a professional kitchen
Easy to work with and able to fit into existing teams
What we will not tolerate:
Turning up late
Not showing up
Falling out with teams or creating issues on site
A small ego and a professional attitude go a long way.
Communication and booking process
Weekly bookings are usually sent out on Friday for the following week
Ongoing bookings and specifically requested chefs are often confirmed earlier
Every shift includes a clear brief, so you know exactly what you are walking into
We keep communication clear, realistic, and respectful.
Onboarding and requirements
To work with us you will need:
Right to work in the UK
Food Health and Safety Level 3
Allergen Awareness Level 3
An up-to-date DBS in some cases, depending on the venue
Onboarding is straightforward and can usually be completed the same day. We are happy to talk you through the self-employed process if needed and advise on securing the necessary qualifications.
Why chefs work with us
Chefs tell us they value:
Flexibility
Competitive pay
Clear communication
A small office team that actually knows them
Being placed into kitchens that suit their experience
Some chefs work with us for a few shifts. Others work with us for years. Both are welcome.
Register Your Interest
If you are a Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, or Head Chef interested in relief work, longer-term bookings, or permanent opportunities, we would love to hear from you. Submit your details using the form below and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss next steps.