Head Banqueting Chef - Lead Luxury Event Menus & Team

Fairmont; Knutsford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exclusive hotel discounts

Colleague restaurant & staff perks

Training and development opportunities

Competitive pension and holiday

Job summary

Fairmont is seeking a Head Chef to lead the Banqueting Kitchen, delivering high-quality dishes for events of all sizes. You will design seasonal menus with the Executive Chef, mentor a skilled team, and work closely with Events, Sales, and Operations to ensure flawless execution.

With 5+ years in luxury hotel kitchens and NVQ Level 2/3 plus Level 3 Food Safety, you will drive cost control, sustainability, and guest satisfaction while maintaining exceptional standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in high-volume banqueting or luxury hotel kitchens
• Proven leadership at Senior Sous Chef or Head Chef level
• NVQ Level 2/3 Professional Cookery (or equivalent)
• Level 3 Food Safety (essential)
• Strong knowledge of UK food safety, allergens, and HACCP
• Demonstrated ability to manage costs, menus, and large-scale production

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of the Banqueting Kitchen and ensure seamless delivery for events of all sizes.
• Design and develop seasonal menus in partnership with the Executive Chef.
• Mentor, inspire, and develop a skilled kitchen team.
• Collaborate with clients, event planners, and internal stakeholders to tailor experiences.
• Oversee stock management, procurement, and cost control to maximise profitability.
• Uphold food safety, hygiene, and health regulations at all times.
• Coordinate daily kitchen operations including production schedules and quality control.
• Work with Events, Sales, and Operations teams to ensure flawless event execution.
• Conduct regular training and performance reviews to support development.
• Champion sustainability initiatives within the kitchen and hotel operations.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Cost control

Menu development

Team development

Collaboration

Flexibility

Multi-skilling

Education

NVQ Level 2/3 Professional Cookery

Level 3 Food Safety

Job description

Fairmont is seeking a Head Chef to lead the Banqueting Kitchen, delivering high-quality dishes for events of all sizes. You will design seasonal menus with the Executive Chef, mentor a skilled team, and work closely with Events, Sales, and Operations to ensure flawless execution.

With 5+ years in luxury hotel kitchens and NVQ Level 2/3 plus Level 3 Food Safety, you will drive cost control, sustainability, and guest satisfaction while maintaining exceptional standards.