Getting Started

What is ChefMatch?

ChefMatch is a UK marketplace that connects professional chefs with restaurants, hotels, schools, care homes, caterers, and events for short-term and flexible work. We are not an agency: we provide the platform so that businesses can post jobs and chefs can apply using Credits. You choose who you work with; payment for work is between the chef and the restaurant.

Chefs use Credits to apply for jobs (1 Credit per day of job). Credits are reserved on apply and only spent when selected. Restaurants do not use Credits. See the FAQ and Credits & Pricing for details.

Creating your profile

A complete profile helps you get selected (as a chef) or helps chefs apply to your jobs (as a business). Fill in the required fields and add as much relevant detail as you can: experience, skills, and any documents or portfolio that support your profile.

Required fields depend on whether you sign up as a chef or a business. You will be guided through the steps. Keep your contact details and availability up to date so that bookings and messages reach you.

Visibility rules: chefs can browse jobs without revealing their full identity until a restaurant selects them. Businesses see chef profiles and applications but not full contact details until they accept an application. This protects privacy and reduces unsolicited contact.

Setting your availability

As a chef, you can set when you are available for work. This helps restaurants see who can do which dates and reduces mismatches. Update your availability whenever it changes so that job listings and applications stay accurate.

As a business, you set the dates and times when you need cover when you post a job. You can post a single shift or several, and request one or multiple chefs per job.

Completing verification

We may ask you to verify your identity or your business details. This helps keep the platform safe and builds trust. Follow the instructions in your account or in the emails we send. Verification can include document checks or company details (e.g. VAT where applicable).

Until verification is complete, some features may be limited. If you have trouble with a step, contact support and we will help.

Understanding how ChefMatch works

As a chef: you browse jobs (with limited venue details for privacy), apply using Credits (1 Credit per day of job), and get full details only when a business selects you. Credits are only spent when selected. You then accept or decline and complete the shift. Payment for work is between you and the restaurant.

As a business: you create a profile, post a job (including how many chefs you need), review applications, and select the chefs you want. They receive the full job details and can confirm. Restaurants do not use Credits. You can duplicate jobs for repeat shifts. Payment for work is between you and the chef.

For a full step-by-step, see How it Works.