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- Tasks: Assist in planning and executing large-scale fine dining events at the House of Lords.
- Company: Join the prestigious House of Lords Catering and Retail Services team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and health programmes.
- Why this job: Be part of history while showcasing your culinary skills in a high-profile environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-end banqueting, strong food safety knowledge, and leadership skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Sous Chef Banqueting to join our Catering and Retail Services Office at the House of Lords. This is a position where you assist in the planning, preparation, and execution of large-scale and fine dining events. You will supervise kitchen operations, support junior staff, and ensure the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and hygiene. You will also play a key role in supporting HR-related responsibilities and maintaining operational efficiency.
Youll be accountable to:
- Assist the Head Banqueting Chef in the preparation and delivery of menus for formal banquets, receptions, and high-profile events.
- Supervise kitchen operations during event preparation and service, ensuring consistency, quality, and adherence to event specifications.
- Support with dish costings, portion control, and budgetary compliance.
- Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health and safety, and allergen legislation, including the use of computerised temperature control systems, food probing, chilling, and fridge monitoring.
- Assist in managing stock levels, ordering, and inventory using computerised systems.
- Support the training, supervision, and development of junior kitchen staff, promoting a culture of excellence and professionalism.
If this sounds like something you would like to hear more about, please apply below.
What were looking for:
- Proven experience in a similar role within a high-end banqueting or fine dining environment.
- Strong understanding of food safety, HACCP, and allergen management.
- Experience using computerised stock control and temperature monitoring systems.
- Ability to work under pressure and maintain high standards during large-scale events.
- Good communication and team leadership skills.
- Basic understanding of HR processes and willingness to support people management.
- Recognised culinary qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery or equivalent).
It would be even better if you had:
- Experience working in a public sector, heritage, or ceremonial institution.
- Knowledge of traditional British cuisine and formal dining protocols.
- Familiarity with sustainable and inclusive catering practices.
The job description provides full details about the role and what we are looking for.
What youll get in return:
- 30 days annual leave (increasing to 35 after one years service).
- Generous pension scheme.
- Parliamentary health and wellbeing programme.
- The opportunity to witness history in the making!
The work we do is vital to House of Lords, and you will be a pivotal member in the team strengthening the work of the House. The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK parliament. It is independent from and complements the work of the House of Commons to:
- Make laws.
- Check and challenge the actions of the government through questions and debates.
- Investigate public policy and provide a forum of independent expertise.
Please complete your online application by 23:55 on Sunday 1st March 2026. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process, please contact HL Recruitment. Job offers are standardly offered at the minimum of the salary range.
The House of Lords Administration is committed to increasing diversity and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. We welcome applications from all candidates with diverse characteristics, including different ages, caring responsibilities, disability, gender/sex, gender reassignment/trans, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race/ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation and socio-economic status. We welcome discussions about flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments.
Sous Chef Banqueting employer: House of Lords
Contact Detail:
House of Lords Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef Banqueting
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who have experience in banqueting or fine dining. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and events you've worked on. This visual evidence of your talent can really make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the House of Lords and their catering style. Knowing their history and values will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at the House of Lords.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef Banqueting
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your previous experience in high-end banqueting or fine dining. We want to see how you've handled large-scale events and maintained top-notch food quality, so don’t hold back!
Be Specific About Skills: When you mention your skills, be specific! Talk about your knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and allergen management. We love seeing candidates who know their stuff and can keep our kitchen running smoothly.
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to tailor your application to the role. Use keywords from the job description, like 'supervise kitchen operations' and 'support junior staff'. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the House of Lords.
How to prepare for a job interview at House of Lords
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of menus and dishes that are typically served at high-profile events. Be ready to discuss your ideas for menu planning and how you would ensure quality and presentation during service.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be supervising junior staff. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past, especially under pressure. Highlight your communication style and how you promote a culture of excellence in the kitchen.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Food Safety
Brush up on food hygiene regulations, HACCP principles, and allergen management. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in a busy kitchen environment and share any experiences where you’ve implemented these practices effectively.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Budget Management
Since you'll be involved in dish costings and inventory management, think about your experience with budgeting in previous roles. Be ready to explain how you manage costs while maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation.