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 parking, and discounted spa treatments.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career growth in a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Showcase your culinary skills in a high-energy 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 30000 - 40000 € 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.
Ideal candidate:
- 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 evenings, 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.
Sous Chef in Calne employer: Bowood Hotel Spa and Golf Resort
At Bowood Estate, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values creativity and collaboration. As a Sous Chef, you will enjoy a range of benefits including 31 days of annual leave, free on-site parking, and access to our stunning facilities, all while working in a supportive team environment that fosters professional growth and development. Join us in delivering memorable dining experiences in one of Wiltshire's premier luxury destinations, where your culinary talents can truly shine.
Contact Detail:
Bowood Hotel Spa and Golf Resort Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Calne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, event planners, and anyone in the hospitality industry. Attend local food events or workshops to meet people who can help you land that Sous Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, bring a dish to share or offer to do a trial shift. This is your moment to shine and demonstrate your creativity and passion for food.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the venue! Familiarise yourself with Bowood Estate’s style and previous events. Tailor your conversations to show how your experience aligns with their high standards and unique offerings.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Bowood Estate.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Calne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for food and hospitality shine through. Share your experiences that highlight your passion for creating exceptional dining experiences, especially in high-volume settings like banqueting.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Sous Chef. Highlight relevant experience in 4-star or 5-star environments, focusing on your leadership skills and any specific achievements in event catering that align with our needs.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right place and allows us to process it more efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team at Bowood Estate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bowood Hotel Spa and Golf Resort
✨Know Your Culinary Basics
Brush up on your culinary techniques and food safety regulations. Be ready to discuss your experience with high-volume catering and how you ensure quality in every dish. This shows that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the standards expected in a 4-star environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led a kitchen team in the past. Think about times when you motivated your team or resolved conflicts. The interviewers will want to see that you can lead with integrity and foster a collaborative atmosphere, especially in a busy setting.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Menu Innovation
Think of some creative ideas for event menus that could impress guests at weddings or corporate events. Bring these ideas to the table during your interview to demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and contribute to the hotel's reputation for excellence.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with food cost control and kitchen financials. Be prepared to discuss how you manage stock and maintain GP targets. Showing that you understand the operational side of the kitchen will set you apart as a candidate who can contribute to the overall success of the hotel.
