Job Description

Caterplus – Food That Feels Like Home

Step away from the same kitchen every day. As a Relief Chef Manager with Caterplus, you’ll become our trusted regional expert – stepping into different sites across the region to support, steady the ship and keep our communities well-fed and cared for.

If you’re a confident, adaptable chef who enjoys variety, autonomy and a role that genuinely makes you feel needed, this is the one.

This role covers the area of Kent.

You must be flexible, hold a full valid UK driving licence and have your own reliable transportation. Benefits include car allowance and mileage.

Caterplus is part of Elior UK — giving you the personality of a specialist brand with the opportunities and support of one of the UK's leading contract catering businesses.

At Elior, the safety, dignity and wellbeing of the people we support is our priority. As part of our recruitment process, this role is subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check (where applicable).

What you’ll be doing…

• Cover planned and unplanned absence across multiple Caterplus locations
• Support teams during busy periods or transition
• Bring consistency, standards and leadership wherever you go
• Keep kitchens running safely, efficiently and to Caterplus standards
• Act as the regional specialist for Textured Modified Foods (TMF), delivering training and best practice
• Build strong relationships with managers and operations teams across the region
• Role model high standards in H&S, food safety and compliance

No two weeks will look the same – you’ll work with different teams, strengthen different kitchens and make a visible impact everywhere you go.

What can you bring?

• Senior chef experience
• Calm, organised and confident under pressure
• A genuine passion for customer service
• Strong kitchen management and people leadership
• A positive, solutions-focused approach
• TMF experience helpful, though training provided

Hours & Region

• 5 out of 7 days
• 37.5 hours per week (no late evenings)
• Covering sites across Kent and surrounding areas within our over-55 catering communities
• Car allowance
• Mileage (33p per mile petrol, 26p per mile electric)

Being a Relief Chef Manager at Caterplus gives you:

• Variety instead of routine
• More responsibility and autonomy
• Faster skills development across different sites
• Wider visibility with senior leaders (accelerates progression)
• A role where you’re the person people rely on when it counts

If you enjoy being the chef who can “walk into any kitchen and make it work”, you’ll thrive here.

What's on the menu for you…

At Elior, we believe people do their best work when they feel supported, valued and able to thrive. That's why we offer a benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, career, finances and life outside of work.

Here’s a taste of what you can expect when you join us:

• Free meals on shift
• Flexible and part-time working opportunities
• Company car or car allowance
• 28 days holiday, increasing to 31 days after two years' service
• Enhanced family, personal and compassionate leave policies
• Paid volunteering days
• Training, development and career progression opportunities
• Pension scheme, life assurance and financial wellbeing support
• Salary Advance, giving you access to a portion of your pay before payday
• A supportive, inclusive culture where everyone can thrive

Plus access to Elior Spark, our enhanced wellbeing platform, offering support for you and your immediate family, including:

• 24/7 virtual GP appointments
• Mental health support, counselling and therapy sessions
• Physiotherapy services and second medical opinions
• Online gym and workout programmes
• Legal and financial advice
• Nutrition, fitness and lifestyle guidance
• Meditation and mindfulness resources
• Dedicated wellbeing helplines and expert support whenever you need it

Fancy being part of the recipe?

At Elior, over 10,000 colleagues come together every day with one purpose: to enrich lives everywhere, every day.

We're proud that 87% of our colleagues are proud to work here — and we think that's because people are given the support, trust and opportunities they need to thrive.

Don't tick every box? Don't rule yourself out. We're looking for people with potential, passion and the right attitude, not just a checklist of experience.

We're committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Ready to join us? Hit ‘Apply Now’ and let’s chat!