Roaming Chef
This is a role for someone who enjoys variety. You’ll work across our pubs, bringing consistency and knowledge wherever it’s needed.
Along the way, you’ll help develop the people around you. Whether it’s mentoring a junior chef, supporting a new Head Chef or helping a team through a busy period, your impact will be felt as much through people as it is through the food leaving the pass.
We believe great hospitality starts with great teams. As a Roaming Chef, you’ll play a big part in helping our kitchens thrive, supporting the people in them and making sure every guest leaves having had a cracking experience.
If you enjoy being part of different teams, take real pride in your work and like the idea of helping a group of well-loved pubs get a little better every day, we’d love to hear from you.
About Chickpea
We're founder-owned and seven years in. Today, we run ten pubs across the South West, but the idea hasn't changed much since day one. Great pubs are built by great people.
Our places are a reflection of the teams who work in them. From the kitchen to the bar, we believe exceptional hospitality comes from people who genuinely care about the industry and the guests in front of them.
We want every guest to feel as though they've been welcomed into someone's home. That means getting the small things right, paying attention to the detail, and looking after people properly.
It's a simple idea, but it's the thread that runs through everything we do.
Why Chickpea?
A respectful kitchen is non-negotiable for us. We want people to enjoy coming to work, and that starts with how teams treat each other.
There are no split shifts. Overtime is paid. Uniform is provided and laundered. If you want to progress, there’s a clear pathway and the support to help you get there.
We offer flexible working patterns that fit around your life, not the other way round.
Every penny of service charge is shared across the whole team — chefs, front-of-house and housekeeping included — with complete transparency through your own Grateful account.
If you work a six-hour shift, you eat from the menu. Away from work, you'll enjoy 50% off food at any of our pubs for you and up to five guests.
We close on Christmas Day.
Each year, we bring everyone together for the Annual Chickpea Awards Bash to celebrate the people who make the business what it is.
On your birthday, you'll receive a £100 voucher to spend at any of our pubs. There are also monthly rewards and giveaways, including the chance to win a night away at one of our places. We recognise long service too.
Throughout the year, we organise team trips and away days, from visits to local suppliers to trips abroad.
If you're ambitious and want to develop, we'll build a training programme around you. Whether that's WSET qualifications, apprenticeships, leadership development or broadening your skills across the business, the opportunities are there for those who want them.
We're committed to helping people build long and rewarding careers in hospitality.
And because life isn't always straightforward, you'll also have access to confidential 24/7 support for your mental, physical and financial wellbeing. Whenever you need someone to talk to, help is there.
What you'll be doing
- Supporting kitchens across the group during holidays, rota gaps and periods of change.
- Running services and leading teams when Head Chefs are away.
- Helping with new openings, menu launches and seasonal menu changes.
- Working alongside Head Chefs to maintain food quality, consistency and presentation.
- Training and developing junior chefs and kitchen teams.
- Monitoring stock, prep levels and ordering where needed.
- Maintaining food safety, hygiene and compliance standards at all times.
- Identifying ways to improve efficiency, standards and team performance.
- Creating a positive kitchen culture wherever you go.
What we're looking for
- You'll likely be a Head Chef already, or a strong Sous Chef ready for something a little different.
- You'll enjoy working with people and understand that good kitchens are built around strong teams, not big egos.
- You'll be organised, adaptable and comfortable stepping into unfamiliar environments. Most importantly, you'll genuinely care about food, standards and hospitality.
You'll also need:
- A full UK driving licence and your own transport.
- Strong knowledge of food safety and kitchen compliance.
- The ability to remain calm under pressure and solve problems as they arise.
- Good communication skills and a collaborative approach to leadership.
- Flexibility to travel between our pubs and work a variety of shifts.
