Banqueting Sous Chef
Full‑Time position (48 hours) - Up to £44,000 per annum plus service charge.
Your country home away from home, nestled within 12 acres of picturesque Hertfordshire countryside. Sopwell House is a luxurious, family‑owned Georgian country house hotel offering timeless elegance and modern comfort. We’re proud to be a place where exceptional service is delivered with warmth, pride and purpose.
We’re currently looking for a passionate Banqueting Sous Chef to join our dedicated team.
Your role in our family:
- Support the Executive Head Chef in delivering exceptional banqueting experiences for weddings, conferences, gala dinners and special events.
- Lead and inspire the kitchen team, deputising for senior chefs in their absence and ensuring the smooth day‑to‑day operation of the Banqueting Kitchen.
- Prepare and present exceptional dishes while maintaining the highest standards of quality, consistency and presentation.
- Supervise and develop the team through coaching, training and leading by example.
- Assist with menu implementation, recipe consistency, food costing and stock management.
- Ensure compliance with all food safety, hygiene and health & safety standards.
- Work collaboratively with the wider Food & Beverage team to deliver memorable guest experiences.
- Drive continuous improvement through innovation, attention to detail and exceptional operational standards.
What would make you the perfect fit?
- Previous experience as a Sous Chef.
- Experience delivering high‑volume banqueting events, including weddings, conferences and gala dinners.
- Excellent knowledge of modern cooking techniques with a passion for producing consistently outstanding food.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop a busy kitchen team.
- Strong understanding of kitchen operations, stock control, food costing and labour management.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to remain calm under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
- A proactive, hands‑on leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment.
- Food Safety Level 3 qualification.
- Passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences while maintaining the highest culinary standards.
The Best Bit:
- Wide range of training and development opportunities.
- Free staff meals and parking.
- Discounted food and beverage, accommodation and spa.
- 28 days holiday and 1 extra holiday day on your birthday.
- 30% discount on Spa treatments and Spa days.
- 10% discount on Spa products.
- Introduce a friend at work bonus.
- Free uniform.
- Preferred Hotel Group discounted global hotel rates.
All applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK.
If this sounds like your dream job, we would love to hear from you!
Sous Chef in St Albans employer: Sopwell House
Sopwell House is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where creativity and craftsmanship are celebrated. Located in the picturesque St Albans, our hotel provides not only competitive salaries but also a range of employee benefits, including discounts and comprehensive training opportunities to foster personal and professional growth. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that takes pride in enhancing guest experiences through high-quality workmanship.
