# How many chef jobs are in the UK?

Being a chef is a reputable profession. Whether in your home country or abroad, chefs are well recognized and play an important role in the kitchen. Most Chefs have gone through culinary school to become expert cooks. They also understand food and its taste, which is essential in food preparation. There are many chef jobs in the UK, depending on the experience level and role of each. We can’t quantify the exact figures, but new job openings are listed daily. However, there are several chef roles in the UK that we’ll discuss below.

Chef roles in the UK

These roles determine the kind of jobs available for you. The name chef is like an umbrella term referring to several roles or responsibilities in the kitchen. Each available job comes with a particular name or position for clarity. Most job listings never mention just wanting a chef but the kind they want. Since the role defines the job done, we discuss each chef role below to understand the types of chef jobs available in the UK.

Executive chef

It’s the highest-ranking job you can get as a chef. Any restaurant with an opening for this job needs only a single person. This is because there’s only one executive chef per restaurant who manages and oversees the performance of the kitchen staff. Aside from this, they are in charge of menu creation and the recipes to be made. They ensure other chefs perform their duties, inspect the food, and keep tabs on the billing. Executive chefs don’t precisely cook but guide the rest. They are answerable to the restaurant management on behalf of the rest.

Head chef

They are also known as the Chef de cuisine and respond to the executive chef. As the head chef, you assist the executive chef in the day-to-day activities within the restaurant. This job position is available in some restaurants only. For others, the executive chef still acts as the head chef and plays both roles. The head chef can work on things done by the executive chef, like creating menus and recipes. Additionally, they develop the budget for foodstuffs, deal with suppliers, and ensure the kitchen’s proper organization.

Under chef

A chef in this job position is also called the sous chef. They are answerable to the head and executive chef but can replace them in their absence. They are in charge of line cooks and act as middle persons between the back and front kitchen.

Station chef

The station chef has exceptional mastery of particular foods. This position allows you to showcase your skills in one specialty like grilling, dessert making, soup preparation, etc. They work on a specific part of the menu only.

Pastry chef

Also called the pâtissier, focuses on desserts and baked items. This job position places you in the bakery or candy sections. Such chefs develop the dessert menu, unlike foods that the executive or head chefs create.

Roast chef

Your job will be to cook various meats and sauces. Depending on the delicacy, you employ different cooking styles like roasting, boiling, braising, and more.

Saute chef

A chef in this job chooses and prepares the best sauces, e.g., stews, salad dressing, pasta sauces, gravy, and soups. This position requires a lot of imagination and consistency. You should think outside the box and make incredible sauces.

Pantry chef

This chef handles the restaurant’s freezer section and ensures food remains fresh. They also make cold dishes and salads and help restock the cold areas.

Junior chef

This is the lowest job position in the chef hierarchy. The chef is in the learning process and advances with time. They help other chefs with their tasks as they perfect their skills.

Bottom line

The roles above highlight the chef jobs position available in the UK and other regions. The multiple jobs allow you to figure out your best niche. You can apply to any of the roles if you meet the qualifications. Alternatively, you can always climb your way up from the junior chef position.

Check our chef jobs and feel free to join our community of chefs on Facebook.

Go back to the Blog page

Click here to get your Chef Quote
Click here to join as a chef