Head Chef - Banqueting

Crieff Hydro Limited; Crieff; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A premium hotel and events venue in Scotland is seeking a Production and Banqueting Head Chef to lead the kitchen team. This full-time role involves overseeing high-quality food production for various events, from private dinners to large-scale banquets. Candidates should have extensive banqueting experience and leadership skills. Competitive salary of £42,000 plus tips, with options for live-in accommodation and various staff benefits including discounts and career progression opportunities.

Benefits

Live-in Accommodation

Free Meals on Shift

Exclusive Discounts

Team Rate Hotel Stays

Refer a Friend Bonus

Career Progression

Wellbeing Support

Team Events & Annual Staff Party

Qualifications

• Proven experience running large-scale banquets, conferences, and events.
• Track record as a Head Chef or senior production chef.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Manage menu planning and stock control.
• Lead and inspire a kitchen team.

Skills

Banqueting Experience

Leadership

Organisation & Time Management

Meticulous Attention to Detail

Operational Knowledge

Flexibility

Job description

About the role

We’re looking for a Production and Banqueting Head Chef to lead our dedicated kitchen team, delivering high-quality, consistent food across our restaurants, cafés, and events. This is a role with real variety – from private, formal dinners for 5 people to large-scale banquets and events for 500+.

You’ll oversee the day-to-day running of the production and banqueting kitchen, ensuring smooth operations, high standards, and efficient service delivery. That means everything from menu planning and stock control to rota management and coaching your team. You’ll set the tone – combining meticulous attention to detail with strong time management, and inspiring your team to deliver at their best.

This is a full-time role (45 hours per week). It’s not all late nights – we host many daytime events too, so you’ll enjoy a good balance of shifts. On-site live-in accommodation is available if required, inclusive of bills and three free meals per day from our staff canteen.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations – production and banqueting.
• Menu planning and stock control – ensuring quality and consistency.
• Rota management and coaching your team to deliver at their best.
• Lead by example – set a high standard for presentation and service.
• Ensure high-volume food production supports events from small to large scale.

What we need from you

• Banqueting Experience – Proven experience running large-scale banquets, conferences, and events as well as private dining.
• Leadership – Track record as a Head Chef or senior production chef, confident leading and inspiring a diverse kitchen team.
• Organisation & Time Management – Ability to balance multiple priorities while keeping operations smooth and efficient.
• Meticulous Attention to Detail – From presentation to planning, you set and maintain the highest standards.
• Operational Knowledge – Strong understanding of high-volume food production, menu planning, stock control, and food safety.
• Flexibility – Comfortable switching between large events, day-to-day production, and more intimate dining experiences.

What you’ll get from us

• £42,000 per annum plus a share of tips (estimated £2,000 per annum).
• Live-in Accommodation – On-site, affordable housing with bills included may be available. Most rooms are single occupancy with an ensuite, though this isn’t guaranteed. Availability and rates (set by HMRC) can be discussed at interview.
• Free Meals on Shift – Stay fuelled and focused with delicious staff meals while you work.
• Exclusive Discounts – Enjoy 50% off food, drinks and retail, free leisure membership for you and a partner, and reduced rates on hotel activities.
• Team Rate Hotel Stays – Discounted stays at all of our hotels from just £30 per night.
• Refer a Friend Bonus – Earn up to £250-£500 for each successful team member or manager you recommend to us.
• Guest Mention Rewards – Earn £5 every time a guest gives you a positive shoutout in a review.
• Career Progression – With seven hotels, multiple departments, and a wide range of roles, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to grow and explore new career paths.
• Wellbeing Support – Access 24/7 confidential support via the Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme, covering mental health, finances, and more.
• Team Events & Annual Staff Party – We love to celebrate our people! Enjoy team events throughout the year and a legendary annual staff party.

Careers at the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels

Please note: This opportunity does not qualify for sponsorship. To be considered for this role, you must have the right to work in the UK.