At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team to create exceptional dining experiences for events.
- Company: Join Bowood Estate, a luxury destination known for its hospitality and stunning countryside.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days annual leave, free meals, and discounted spa treatments.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with excellent career growth opportunities in a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Showcase your culinary skills in a high-profile environment and make memorable guest experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef in a high-volume setting and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
We are seeking a talented, passionate and driven Sous Chef to lead and support our Conferencing & Banqueting kitchen, delivering exceptional dining experiences for elegant weddings, gala dinners, corporate events, and private celebrations.
If you love delivering exceptional food, and being part of memorable guest experiences, this could be your next exciting move.
This is an opportunity to showcase excellence in every dish, bring innovative ideas to our event menus, work collaboratively within a high-performing team, and lead with integrity in everything you do.
The successful candidate will combine strong leadership skills, creative menu execution, and operational excellence to ensure seamless service for high-volume and high-profile events.
This is a full-time role, working 45 hours per week on a shift rota, which include 08.00-17.00 and 11.00-22.00.
Due to the rural location at the Bowood Estate, Calne, reliable transport is required.
Free on-site parking is provided.
Easily commutable from Chippenham, Devizes, Trowbridge, Swindon and surrounding Wiltshire areas.
Key responsibilities
- Support the Head Chef in leading all banqueting kitchen operations.
- Deliver consistent, high-quality dishes to 4-star standards across all events.
- Manage food production, stock control, and cost efficiency maintaining GP targets.
- Work closely with events and front-of-house teams to ensure seamless service.
- Lead, train, and motivate the kitchen team.
- Ensure all food preparation complies with food safety regulations and HACCP standards.
- Support wider kitchen operations when required.
The Sous Chef will play a pivotal role in upholding the hotel’s reputation for excellence in conferencing and event catering.
- The ideal candidate will have
- Proven experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a 4-star or 5-star hotel or similar high-volume environment.
- Strong background in conferencing, banqueting or large scale event catering (200 covers).
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
- Strong leadership and communication abilities.
- Sound knowledge of food cost control and kitchen financials.
- Culinary qualification (NVQ Level 3, City & Guilds, or equivalent preferred).
- Food Safety Level 3 certification (or equivalent).
- Flexibility to work evening, weekends and holidays.
Benefits
- 31 days annual leave including Bank Holidays
- Uniform provided
- Meals on duty
- Pension scheme
- Free on-site parking
- Free entry to Bowood House and Gardens during open season
- Hugely discounted Golf Membership after probationary period
- Discounted spa treatments and 50% off Templespa products
- Employee Assistance Programme via Hospitality Action
- Company events and supportive team culture
Bowood Estate is one of Wiltshire’s leading luxury destinations, combining a 4-star hotel, award-winning spa, and championship golf course in a stunning countryside setting.
We are proud of our reputation for exceptional hospitality, memorable weddings and events, and a warm, professional service culture.
If you are a passionate Sous Chef who thrives in busy, high-standard event kitchen and wants to be part of a respected luxury estate, we would love to hear from you.
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Sous Chef - Kitchen in Calne employer: Bowood
At Bowood, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values your growth and contributions. Nestled in the picturesque Bowood Estate, our supportive work culture fosters innovation and creativity, offering competitive compensation, ongoing training, and unique benefits such as enhanced holiday entitlement and discounted spa treatments. Join our dedicated team and be part of crafting unforgettable experiences for our guests in a welcoming environment that feels like family.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - Kitchen in Calne
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Bowood. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Bowood
Don't be shy about reaching out to Bowood directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef - Kitchen in Calne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Bowood and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bowood
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
