ESTABLISHED 2008
Nationwide Agency Chef Jobs
Whether you’re looking for flexible shifts or long-term placements, we connect talented chefs with opportunities nationwide. Start your next role today.
Want to Work as a Chef Through an Agency?
If you're looking for a more flexible way of working, we can offer temporary jobs as a Chef at some of the biggest stadiums, events, and businesses across the United Kingdom.
Whether you're a seasoned head chef or a passionate commis looking to broaden your experience, we offer temp jobs that suit your skills, availability, and career goals. Our network includes restaurants, hotels, event caterers, private clients, and corporate venues.
We understand that flexibility is key in the culinary industry. That's why our temp roles are designed to work around your lifestyle, giving you the freedom to choose when and where you work. From last-minute cover to long-term placements, we provide a range of opportunities that allow you to stay in control of your schedule while gaining valuable experience in diverse kitchen environments.
Our recruitment team works closely with both chefs and clients to ensure the right fit for every assignment. With competitive rates, consistent support, and access to a wide variety of kitchens, our temp chef jobs are ideal for those who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced roles and enjoy the freedom of agency work.
Our Roles
Discover the perfect role for you
Head Chef
Leading kitchens with expertise, creativity, and a commitment to excellence.
Sous Chef
Supporting kitchen operations, ensuring quality, efficiency, and seamless execution.
Chef de Partie
Overseeing sections with skill, precision, and a passion for great food.
Commis Chef
Learning and growing while contributing to exceptional food preparation and service.
Catering Assistants
Providing vital support to ensure smooth, efficient, and high-quality service.
Kitchen Porter
Keeping kitchens running smoothly with reliability, hard work, and dedication.
Meet Michael, Our Back of House Lead People Operations Manager
A Passion for Food, and an Eye for Talent: My Journey from Chef to Recruiter
I began my journey as a chef in 2012, when I was 22 years old. That same year, I enrolled in college to study Professional Cookery, laying the foundation for what would become a rewarding and intense career in the culinary industry.
My first role was as a grill and breakfast chef, and over the years, I built up a wealth of experience working in a variety of kitchens. From small, independent restaurants to larger commercial operations, I gained a strong understanding of what it takes to thrive in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
Eventually, I transitioned into agency work, which gave me a unique perspective on both sides of the industry. As an agency chef, I experienced firsthand the challenges many chefs face—how they're treated by agencies, the pressures of adapting to different kitchens quickly, and the importance of being reliable and efficient on-site. At the same time, I also gained valuable insight into what clients need from agency staff—consistency, professionalism, and skill under pressure.
I continued working in the industry until 2023, when I had to step back due to ongoing back problems. This change in circumstances led me to rethink my career path, and I made the move into recruitment, specifically, agency recruitment within the hospitality sector.
Why recruitment? Because I’ve lived it. I understand the pressure chefs are under, and I know what clients expect from their kitchen staff. My background gives me the ability to match the right people with the right roles, not just based on skills, but on real-world kitchen experience and understanding. I became a recruiter so I could support both chefs and clients more effectively, bridging the gap between what’s promised and what’s delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to your most important questions!
As one of the UK's leading staffing agencies, of course, we do! We provide temporary jobs near you and throughout the whole of the UK, including Liverpool, London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Glasgow. We work in places like football stadiums, hotels, schools, and colleges. You can search through all of our available roles and apply online.
Well, first things first, you're going to want to take a look at our temporary chef jobs, and once you have found the one you like, you click apply! You'll go through our application process. Once accepted, you're in!
Great question! Working as an agency chef for a recruitment agency offers more flexibility, variety, and opportunity than a full-time or even part-time job. You get access to:
Choosing your own hours - take on shifts that suit your lifestyle and circumstances
Amazing experiences - you can work at some of the biggest events and venues in the UK
Less stress - you don't need to worry about going out and about to find work, just apply on our staffing software
Support - our team here consists of former chefs, so you know that you're in safe hands
Agency chef pay rates depend on your experience, role, and the type of shift. In general, agency chefs can earn competitive hourly rates, which are often more than traditional salaried roles. You'll always know the rate upfront before accepting a shift, and we ensure reliable payments and access to a percentage of your pay early using Wagestream.
Sheheryar, chef at arc
I recommend all the Chefs to work with Arc. Great agency for work. Great pay. Especially recommend Mathew
Omar, chef at arc
Worked with Manager Mathew and his Midlands team and so far, I’ve seen nothing but good things, pay on time, professionalism, good communication, and fair treatment and understanding with employees. Would definitely recommend it to everyone