Sous Chef - Bowood

Bowood Golf; South Bowood; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

31 days annual leave

Uniform provided

Meals on duty

Pension scheme

Free on-site parking

Free entry to Bowood House and Gardens

Discounted golf membership

Discounted spa products

Employee Assistance Programme

Company events

Job summary

Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort in Wiltshire is seeking a talented Sous Chef to lead the Conferencing & Banqueting kitchen for weddings, gala dinners, corporate events and private celebrations.

You will drive excellence in menu execution, cost control and high-standard service, while leading a dedicated kitchen team in a luxury estate setting.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Sous Chef in a 4- or 5-star hotel or high-volume venue.
• Strong background in conferencing, banqueting or large-scale event catering (200 covers).
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong leadership and communication abilities.
• Sound knowledge of food cost control and kitchen financials.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in leading all banqueting kitchen operations.
• Deliver high-quality dishes to 4-star standards across events.
• Manage food production, stock control and GP targets.
• Collaborate with events and front-of-house for seamless service.
• Lead, train and motivate the kitchen team.
• Ensure food prep complies with HACCP and safety regs.

Skills

Leadership

Event catering

Time management

Communication

Food cost control

Menu development

Education

NVQ Level 3 / City & Guilds equivalent

Food Safety Level 3

Job description

Sous Chef - vacancy in Wiltshire

This is a unique opportunity to join the team at the beautiful Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort as a Sous Chef. We are seeking a talented, passionate and driven Sous Chef to lead and support our Conferencing & Banqueting kitchen, delivering exceptional dining experiences for elegant weddings, gala dinners, corporate events, and private celebrations.

We aim to showcase excellence in every dish, bring innovative ideas to our event menus, work collaboratively within a high‑performing team, and lead with integrity. The successful candidate will combine strong leadership skills, creative menu execution, and operational excellence to ensure seamless service for high-volume and high-profile events.

This is a full‑time role, working 45 hours per week on a shift rota, which includes 08:00‑17:00 and 11:00‑22:00. Due to the rural location at the Bowood Estate, Calne, reliable transport is required. Free on‑site parking is provided; the position is commutable from Chippenham, Devizes, Trowbridge, Swindon and surrounding Wiltshire areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in leading all banqueting kitchen operations.
• Deliver consistent, high‑quality dishes to 4‑star standards across all events.
• Manage food production, stock control, and cost efficiency maintaining GP targets.
• Work closely with events and front‑of‑house teams to ensure seamless service.
• Lead, train, and motivate the kitchen team.
• Ensure all food preparation complies with food safety regulations and HACCP standards.
• Support wider kitchen operations when required.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a 4‑star or 5‑star hotel or similar high‑volume environment.
• Strong background in conferencing, banqueting or large‑scale event catering (200 covers).
• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills.
• Strong leadership and communication abilities.
• Sound knowledge of food cost control and kitchen financials.
• Culinary qualification (NVQ Level 3, City & Guilds, or equivalent preferred).
• Food Safety Level 3 certification (or equivalent).
• Flexibility to work evening, weekends and holidays.

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave including Bank Holidays
• Uniform provided
• Meals on duty
• Pension scheme
• Free on‑site parking
• Free entry to Bowood House and Gardens during open season
• Hugely discounted Golf Membership after probationary period
• Discounted spa treatments and 50% off Templespa products
• Employee Assistance Programme via Hospitality Action
• Company events and supportive team culture

Borough is one of Wiltshire’s leading luxury destinations, combining a 4‑star hotel, award‑winning spa, and championship golf course in a stunning countryside setting.

We are proud of our reputation for exceptional hospitality, memorable weddings and events, and a warm, professional service culture.

If you are a passionate Sous Chef who thrives in a busy, high‑standard event kitchen and wants to be part of a respected luxury estate, we would love to hear from you.