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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team to create exceptional food for events and banquets.
- Company: Join a family-run events business known for outstanding catering services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and Christmas Day off.
- Other info: Flexible shifts aligned with exciting events and opportunities for creative input.
- Why this job: Shape menus and lead a passionate team in a vibrant events environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Heaton House Farm is a family-run events business, home to Stable Yard Catering, our onsite and external catering company. We are renowned for delivering exceptional weddings alongside charity events, corporate meetings and flagship company events, with catering provided both on-site and at venues across the region, all supported by a professional and friendly team.
Due to recent changes within our kitchen structure, we are now seeking an experienced and motivated Banqueting & Events Head Chef to lead our kitchen brigade, drive standards and take full ownership of our banqueting and events catering operation.
What you'll be doing:
- Lead the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring smooth and efficient service.
- Deliver consistently high-quality food for weddings, private events, corporate functions and external catering events.
- Take overall responsibility for all food production across onsite and offsite operations.
- Manage, inspire and develop the kitchen team including Senior Sous Chef, Sous Chefs, CDPs and support staff.
- Oversee food preparation, service and presentation to ensure exceptional standards.
- Plan rotas in line with event schedules, labour budgets and business needs.
- Manage ordering, supplier relationships and stock control.
- Maintain tight control of food costs, margins, portioning and waste.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, HACCP and allergen procedures.
- Work closely with front-of-house and events teams to deliver seamless guest experiences.
- Lead menu development and continuous improvement of the food offering.
- Support the growth and promotion of Stable Yard Catering as an external catering provider.
- Attend and oversee key external catering events where required.
- Drive consistency, efficiency and a positive kitchen culture.
About you:
- Proven experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef or equivalent senior leadership role, ideally within banqueting, weddings or high-volume events.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, coach and develop a team.
- Confident delivering high-quality food at scale with consistency and attention to detail.
- Highly organised with strong planning and problem-solving skills.
- Commercially aware with experience managing food costs, labour and budgets.
- Passionate about fresh, seasonal food and maintaining high standards.
- Calm under pressure with a hands-on, lead-from-the-front approach.
- Strong understanding of food safety and allergen management.
- Full UK driving licence and access to transport due to our rural location.
Working pattern:
- 45 days per week.
- Shifts aligned to event schedules including a mix of daytime and evening work.
- Weekends and bank holidays required as part of an events business.
- Flexibility essential to meet the demands of a busy events calendar.
What we offer:
- A senior leadership role within a well-established and respected events venue.
- The opportunity to shape and develop a high-performing kitchen team.
- Creative input into menus, food presentation and business growth.
- Strong support from an experienced and professional management team.
- A positive, family-run working environment.
- Company pension scheme.
- Christmas Day off.
Banqueting & Events Head Chef in London employer: Heaton House Farm
Contact Detail:
Heaton House Farm Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Banqueting & Events Head Chef in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend local events, and join relevant groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes or catering events. A visual representation of your work can really impress potential employers and set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like Heaton House Farm, and express your interest. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from a simple conversation.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that suit your skills. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Stable Yard Catering.
We think you need these skills to ace Banqueting & Events Head Chef in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for fresh, seasonal food shine through. Share any experiences that highlight your culinary creativity and commitment to high standards, especially in banqueting and events.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you inspire and develop your team! Mention specific examples of how you've motivated kitchen staff or improved team dynamics in previous roles. This will show us you're ready to lead our brigade.
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented: In your application, emphasise your planning and problem-solving skills. Talk about how you've managed food costs, stock control, and event schedules in the past. We love candidates who can keep everything running smoothly!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Heaton House Farm!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heaton House Farm
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Banqueting & Events Head Chef, you’ll need to showcase your culinary expertise. Familiarise yourself with the types of dishes you’d be expected to prepare and be ready to discuss your approach to menu development. Bring ideas for seasonal dishes that reflect your passion for fresh ingredients.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership, so be prepared to share examples of how you've motivated and developed your kitchen team in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them while maintaining a positive kitchen culture.
✨Showcase Your Planning Prowess
With events often requiring meticulous planning, highlight your organisational skills during the interview. Discuss how you manage rotas, supplier relationships, and stock control, especially during busy periods. This will show that you can handle the demands of a high-volume kitchen.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities under pressure. Prepare for scenarios related to food safety, allergen management, or last-minute changes to event menus. Demonstrating your calmness and strategic thinking in these situations will set you apart.