Head Chef

LJ Recruitment; Amersham; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Chef whites provided

Ownership of kitchen

Job summary

LJ Recruitment is seeking a hands-on Head Chef for weddings and banqueting in Buckinghamshire. You will oversee a high-volume kitchen, lead a dedicated team and be responsible for menu development, costing and delivering exceptional service at luxury wedding venues.

The role focuses on managing food quality, cost control and operational performance, with 45 hours per week and a discretionary bonus potential. A strong background in banqueting and events is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in banqueting and events.
• Hands-on leadership in a busy kitchen.
• Ability to create and cost menus for weddings/events.
• Strong GP and wage cost controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day kitchen operation.
• Lead from the front during weddings and events.
• Create, develop and cost menus for weddings and events.
• Ensure high standards of food quality, presentation and service.
• Recruit, train and develop the kitchen team.
• Manage kitchen budgets and stock control.

Skills

Hands-on chef

Menu costing

Menu development

Staff leadership

Banqueting experience

Job description

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.