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- Tasks: Lead the culinary vision and operations for exceptional banqueting events.
- Company: Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere - a luxury destination in the heart of Cheshire.
- Benefits: Exclusive discounts, competitive salary, training opportunities, and 28 days holiday.
- Why this job: Create unforgettable dining experiences in a prestigious luxury hotel environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in high-volume kitchens and proven leadership experience.
- Other info: Join a unique team dedicated to excellence and sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: On-site in Knutsford, Cheshire, North-West England (not remote).
Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere is one of the North West’s most distinguished luxury destinations. Nestled in the heart of the Cheshire countryside and surrounded by a championship golf course, the resort combines Fairmont’s world-renowned elegance with the warmth and character of its local heritage. Renowned for exceptional service and attention to detail, Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere offers guests an indulgent escape featuring world-class spa experiences, exceptional dining, and outstanding leisure facilities.
Your purpose will be:
As Head Chef, Banqueting at Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, you will lead the culinary vision and daily operations of our Events Kitchen, delivering exceptional cuisine for weddings, corporate functions, and large-scale celebrations. This role is central to shaping memorable dining experiences that reflect Fairmont’s renowned standards of elegance, creativity, and precision. You will inspire and guide a talented brigade, craft innovative seasonal menus, and ensure flawless execution across all banqueting events.
Responsibilities:
- Reporting to the Executive Head Chef, the Head Chef will lead all aspects of the Banqueting Kitchen, ensuring seamless delivery of high-quality dishes for events of all sizes.
- Design and develop seasonal, innovative menus in partnership with the Executive Chef, showcasing premium ingredients and modern techniques.
- Inspire, mentor, and develop a skilled team of chefs, fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with clients, event planners, and internal stakeholders to create bespoke culinary experiences tailored to each occasion.
- Oversee stock management, procurement, and cost control to maximise profitability while maintaining exceptional standards.
- Uphold strict compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health regulations at all times.
- Stay current with culinary trends and integrate new ideas to elevate the Fairmont banqueting offering.
- Coordinate daily kitchen operations including production schedules, plating standards, and quality control.
- Work closely with Events, Sales, and Operations teams to ensure flawless event execution and guest satisfaction.
- Conduct regular team briefings, performance reviews, and training programmes to support professional development.
- Champion sustainability initiatives and support Fairmont’s commitment to responsible hospitality.
- Maintain a proactive, solutions-focused approach to ensure guest expectations are consistently exceeded.
- Demonstrate flexibility and multi-skilling as required to support the wider culinary and hotel operation.
Please note that we believe in flexibility and multi-skilling, and you may be asked to do different tasks from time to time to enable us to meet the needs of our guests and colleagues.
Qualifications:
- 5+ years’ experience in high-volume banqueting or luxury hotel kitchens.
- Proven leadership at Senior Sous Chef or Head Chef level.
- NVQ Level 2/3 Professional Cookery (or equivalent).
- Level 3 Food Safety (essential).
- Strong knowledge of UK food safety, allergens, and HACCP.
- Demonstrated ability to manage costs, menus, and large-scale production.
What is in it for you?
- Exclusive Discounts: Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, Spa and Golf discount.
- Fairmont, Raffles, and Accor Hotels (friends and family rates are included).
- 20% off food and beverage in on-site restaurants.
- Colleague restaurant.
- Being part of The Mere Team – our culture is unique!
- You will benefit from training and development opportunities.
- Competitive salary and benefits including pension.
- 28 days of holiday including public holidays.
- 1-5 days service award based on length of service.
- Special rates for Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere colleagues and their friends & family and discount across Accor hotels worldwide.
- And last but not least you will get to work with a team of EXTRAORDINARY people.
Head Chef Banqueting in Knutsford employer: AccorHotel
Contact Detail:
AccorHotel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef Banqueting in Knutsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the hospitality industry. Attend events, join culinary groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to fellow chefs on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even host a pop-up event. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table—literally! Plus, it’s a great way to get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply—follow up! After sending in your application, drop a friendly email to express your enthusiasm for the role. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar. We all love a little reminder of how keen you are!
✨Tip Number 4
Use our website to apply! We’ve got all the latest job openings listed, and applying directly through us can give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate, so why not take advantage of it?
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef Banqueting in Knutsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Culinary Excellence: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share your culinary journey, highlight your experience in high-volume banqueting, and explain how you can bring creativity to our kitchen.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head Chef role. Mention your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed a team in a fast-paced environment, just like we do at Fairmont Cheshire.
Highlight Your Menu Innovation Skills: We want to know about your ability to craft seasonal menus! Include examples of innovative dishes you've created and how they’ve impressed guests. This will show us that you’re ready to elevate our banqueting offerings.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you on our radar. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at AccorHotel
✨Know Your Culinary Vision
Before the interview, take some time to think about your culinary vision and how it aligns with Fairmont's standards. Be ready to discuss innovative menu ideas and how you can elevate their banqueting offerings. This shows that you're not just a chef, but a creative leader.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership style during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've inspired and developed your team in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to foster a culture of excellence and creativity.
✨Understand the Importance of Collaboration
Collaboration is key in this role, especially when working with clients and event planners. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with different stakeholders in the past to create bespoke culinary experiences. This will show that you can work well within a team and understand the bigger picture.
✨Stay Current with Trends
Make sure you're up-to-date with the latest culinary trends and sustainability initiatives. During the interview, mention any recent trends you've integrated into your cooking or how you've championed sustainability in your previous kitchens. This demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
