At a Glance
- 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; perfect for culinary enthusiasts.
- 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 35000 - 45000 £ 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:
- 4–5 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
REF-228 045
Banqueting & Events Head Chef in Macclesfield employer: Heaton House Farm
Heaton House Farm offers an exceptional working environment for the Banqueting & Events Head Chef, where you will lead a passionate kitchen team in a family-run business renowned for its outstanding events. With a focus on creativity and high standards, you'll enjoy opportunities for professional growth, a supportive management team, and the chance to make a significant impact on our catering operations. Located in a picturesque rural setting, we provide a unique blend of flexibility and community spirit, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Banqueting & Events Head Chef in Macclesfield
✨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! It’s the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people. 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 Macclesfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience as a Head Chef or in a similar role. We want to see how you've led teams and delivered high-quality food at events, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Specific About Your Skills:Tailor your application to showcase your leadership skills and your ability to manage food costs and budgets. We love candidates who can demonstrate their organisational prowess and problem-solving skills, so give us the specifics!
Passion for Food is Key:Let your passion for fresh, seasonal food shine through in your application. We’re all about high standards and creativity, so share any unique ideas you have for menus or food presentation that could elevate our catering offerings.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application 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
Make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes and styles of cuisine that Heaton House Farm is known for. Be ready to discuss your ideas for menu development and how you can bring fresh, seasonal food to their events.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate and develop staff, as well as how you handle challenges under pressure. They’ll want to see that you can lead from the front!
✨Understand Food Safety and Cost Management
Brush up on your knowledge of food safety regulations, HACCP, and allergen management. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed food costs and waste in previous roles, as this is crucial for maintaining profitability in a busy kitchen.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Think about potential scenarios you might face in the role, such as managing a last-minute event change or dealing with a difficult supplier. Practising your responses will help you demonstrate your problem-solving skills and calmness under pressure.
