Banqueting Head Chef

Marcliffe Hotel Limited; Aberdeen City; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Marcliffe Hotel & Spa in Aberdeen is seeking an experienced Banqueting Head Chef to lead the banqueting kitchen and deliver exceptional food at scale across weddings, conferences and events. You will plan menus, manage high‑volume production and maintain the highest standards of presentation and taste, while controlling costs and ensuring HACCP compliance.

Reporting to the Executive Chef, you will inspire and develop the kitchen team, collaborate with Events, deliver creative seasonal menus and

Qualifications

• Experience leading banqueting or similar high‑volume catering operations.
• Proven ability to plan and deliver varied menus across events.
• Strong HACCP knowledge and food safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day‑to‑day operation of the banqueting kitchen.
• Plan and deliver menus for weddings, conferences, private functions and events.
• Manage high‑volume production while maintaining quality and consistency.
• Create detailed preparation and production plans for each event.
• Lead, motivate and develop the banqueting kitchen team.
• Collaborate with Events and Banqueting to ensure seamless delivery.
• Develop seasonal, creative and commercially successful menus.
• Maintain exceptional standards of food presentation and taste.
• Control food costs, portions, stock and wastage.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Menu development

HACCP knowledge

Food safety

Cost control

High-volume production

Organisational skills

Creative thinking

Job description

BANQUETING HEAD CHEF

Marcliffe

Join Team Marcliffe and help create exceptional dining experiences for some of life’s most memorable occasions.

Marcliffe Hotel is looking for an experienced, passionate and highly motivated Banqueting Head Chef to join our culinary team.

As one of Aberdeen’s leading luxury hotels, we pride ourselves on exceptional food, outstanding service and unforgettable guest experiences. Our banqueting operation plays a huge part in delivering this, from elegant weddings and private celebrations to conferences, corporate events and special occasions.

We are looking for a chef who shares our passion for excellence and has the leadership, creativity and organisational skills to deliver outstanding food at scale.

THE ROLE

As Banqueting Head Chef, you will take responsibility for the planning, preparation and delivery of our banqueting and event food operation.

Working closely with our Executive Chef, Events and Conference & Banqueting teams, you will lead and inspire the kitchen team to deliver consistently high standards across a wide variety of events.

From an intimate private dinner to a large wedding or corporate function, you will ensure every plate reflects the quality and reputation of Marcliffe.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading the day-to-day operation of the banqueting kitchen.

• Planning and delivering menus for weddings, conferences, private functions, corporate events and special occasions.

• Managing high-volume food production while maintaining exceptional quality and consistency.

• Creating detailed preparation and production plans for each event.

• Leading, motivating and developing the banqueting kitchen team.

• Working closely with Events and Conference & Banqueting to ensure every event is delivered seamlessly.

• Developing seasonal, creative and commercially successful menus.

• Maintaining excellent standards of food presentation, quality and consistency.

• Managing food costs, portion control, stock and wastage.

• Ensuring full compliance with HACCP, food hygiene and health & safety requirements.

• Supporting the continued development of our culinary offering and guest experience.

ABOUT YOU

We’re looking for an experienced senior chef who thrives in a busy, high-performing environment.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience as a Banqueting Head Chef, Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef or equivalent.

• Proven experience managing large-scale events and high-volume food production.

• Experience within a luxury hotel, 5-star property, high-end restaurant or premium events venue.

• Strong leadership and team-management skills.

• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple events and priorities.

• A creative approach to menu development and a genuine passion for food.

• Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP and kitchen best practice.

• An understanding of food costs, stock control and profitability.

• The ability to remain calm, organised and solutions-focused under pressure.

• A commitment to exceptional standards and attention to detail.

Most importantly, you will be passionate about hospitality, proud of your work and motivated by creating exceptional experiences for our guests.

WHY JOIN TEAM MARCLIFFE?

This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a passionate and established culinary team at one of Aberdeen’s most recognised luxury hotels.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Lead and develop a talented banqueting kitchen team.

• Work across a diverse and exciting range of events.

• Develop creative seasonal menus.

• Make your mark on our growing events and banqueting operation.

• Work alongside an experienced Executive Chef and wider senior team.

• Develop your career within a luxury hospitality environment.

• Be part of Team Marcliffe, where our people are at the heart of what we do.

READY TO JOIN US?

If you are an ambitious and experienced chef looking for your next challenge and have the passion, leadership and creativity to deliver exceptional food on a large scale, we would love to hear from you.

Join Team Marcliffe and help us create extraordinary food and unforgettable experiences.

Location: Marcliffe Hotel & Spa, Aberdeen
Position: Banqueting Head Chef
Reporting to: Executive Chef