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- Tasks: Lead the culinary vision and operations for exceptional banqueting events.
- Company: Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere - a luxury destination in Cheshire.
- Benefits: Exclusive discounts, competitive salary, training opportunities, and 28 days holiday.
- Why this job: Create unforgettable dining experiences in a prestigious luxury 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:
- 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.
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: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
Contact Detail:
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts 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! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who have worked at Fairmont or similar venues. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary flair! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, bring along a portfolio of your best dishes or even a sample menu. This will not only showcase your skills but also demonstrate your passion for creating exceptional dining experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive and follow up! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are excited about joining our team. Plus, it gives you a better chance to stand out and show us why you’re the perfect fit for the Head Chef position.
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 any unique experiences, and express why you’re excited about the opportunity to lead at Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Head Chef role. Mention your experience in high-volume banqueting and how you've successfully led teams in the past. We want to see how you fit into our vision!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be inspiring and mentoring a team. Use your application to showcase your leadership style and any successful initiatives you've implemented in previous roles. We love seeing how you can foster a culture of excellence!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our extraordinary team at Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
✨Know Your Culinary Vision
Before the interview, think about your culinary philosophy and how it aligns with Fairmont's standards. Be ready to discuss your approach to creating innovative seasonal menus and how you inspire your team to maintain high-quality standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your experience in mentoring chefs and fostering a culture of excellence, as this is crucial for the Head Chef role.
✨Understand Event Coordination
Familiarise yourself with the types of events Fairmont Cheshire hosts. Be prepared to discuss how you would collaborate with clients and event planners to create bespoke culinary experiences that exceed guest expectations.
✨Stay Current with Trends
Research the latest culinary trends and be ready to share how you would integrate these into the banqueting offering. This shows your commitment to innovation and keeping the dining experience fresh and exciting.
