Head Chef - Weddings & Banqueting
Buckinghamshire | £45,000 + up to £3,000 discretionary bonus
Are you a talented, hands-on Head Chef with a passion for weddings, banqueting and delivering exceptional food? We are recruiting for an exciting
Head Chef opportunity with an established luxury hospitality group in Buckinghamshire , overseeing the kitchen at one of their dedicated wedding and events venues. With
70+ weddings taking place each year , this is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced chef who thrives in a busy, high-volume environment and enjoys the buzz of delivering exceptional food for weddings and special occasions. This is a genuinely
hands-on Head Chef position . You will spend the majority of your time in the kitchen, cooking and leading your team during events, while also taking full responsibility for the commercial and operational performance of the kitchen.
The Role
As Head Chef, you will take ownership of the day-to-day running of the kitchen, with
weddings and banqueting being the main focus of the role . You will be responsible for creating and costing menus, managing your kitchen team, maintaining excellent food and hygiene standards, controlling GP and wage costs, and ensuring every event is delivered to an exceptional standard.
Key responsibilities
Lead and manage the day-to-day kitchen operation Be a
hands-on chef , leading from the front during weddings and events Oversee
70+ weddings and numerous banqueting functions each year Create, develop and cost menus for weddings and events Ensure consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service Recruit, train, motivate and develop the kitchen team Produce and manage kitchen rotas, including holidays Approve timesheets and support payroll processes Manage food costs, GP percentages and kitchen budgets Take ownership of ordering, stock control and monthly stocktakes Build strong relationships with suppliers and negotiate quality and value Ensure all food safety, allergen and health & safety procedures are maintained Oversee kitchen maintenance, equipment and deep cleans Develop efficient kitchen systems and procedures Work closely with the front-of-house and events teams to ensure smooth service Develop and refresh menus to enhance the guest experience Manage and support staff performance, appraisals and other people-management processes
About You
We are looking for an experienced
Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up , with a proven background in
weddings, banqueting, hotels or high-volume events . You will ideally have: Strong experience within banqueting and events Experience delivering food for weddings and large functions Excellent menu development and costing skills A strong understanding of GP, budgets and wage control Excellent organisational and leadership skills A passion for quality food and presentation A hands-on approach to cooking and kitchen management The ability to remain calm and organised under pressure Strong knowledge of food safety, allergens and H&S The ability to inspire, develop and lead a kitchen team Banqueting experience is essential for this position. We are particularly interested in chefs who enjoy the challenge of delivering consistently excellent food at volume and who take pride in creating memorable experiences for wedding guests.
Salary & Benefits
£45,000 per annum Up to £3,000 discretionary annual bonus Bonus linked to agreed
GP and wage-budget targets 45 hours per week Chef whites provided Opportunity to take genuine ownership of a busy and successful wedding/banqueting kitchen Excellent opportunity to develop menus, systems and a high-performing kitchen team
Working Hours
45 hours per week, with shifts scheduled between
7am and 11pm, Monday to Sunday , depending on the events calendar and operational requirements.
Location
Buckinghamshire
Interested?
If you're an experienced, hands-on chef with a strong background in
weddings and banqueting , and you're looking for an opportunity where you can genuinely put your stamp on a kitchen, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now for a confidential conversation about this exciting opportunity.
TPBN1_UKTJ
Head Chef in London employer: LJ Recruitment Limited
Join our dedicated kitchen team at a care home in Burgess Hill, where your culinary skills will not only shine but also make a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents. We offer a competitive salary, stable employment, and a supportive work culture that values teamwork and personal growth, ensuring you have the opportunity to develop your skills while creating delicious, nutritious meals that enhance the daily experiences of those we serve.
