Sous Chef - Conferencing & Banqueting

Bowood Hotel Spa and Golf Resort; Calne; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended holiday entitlement

Meals on duty

Uniform provided

Free on-site parking

Pension scheme

Temple Spa discounts

Bowood House entry

Golf membership discount

Employee assistance programme

Career progression

Job summary

Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort is seeking a talented Sous Chef to support the leadership of our busy Conference & Banqueting Kitchen, delivering exceptional food for weddings, corporate events, and large-scale hospitality functions.

The role involves working closely with Head Chef and Events teams, developing menus, and maintaining HACCP standards while managing a team in a luxury Wiltshire venue. A driver’s license is helpful due to rural location.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef.
• Experience within a hotel, wedding venue, conference centre or banqueting kitchen.
• Experience catering for high-volume events (up to 200 covers).
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• A passion for producing fresh, high-quality food consistently at volume, with strong attention to presentation, flavour and portion control.
• Good knowledge of food safety and kitchen compliance.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and event schedules.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Conference & Banqueting Kitchen alongside the Head Chef and Events team.
• Deliver high-quality food for weddings, conferences and events.
• Maintain excellent standards of presentation, consistency and portion control.
• Lead, motivate and develop junior chefs and kitchen staff.
• Ensure food safety, HACCP and hygiene standards are maintained.
• Assist with menu development, stock control and ordering.
• Work closely with Events and Front of House teams to ensure seamless service.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume hospitality environment.

Skills

Sous Chef experience

Leadership

Food safety knowledge

High-volume catering

Job description

Full-Time | 45 Hours Per Week | Competitive salary + Excellent Benefits

Are you an experienced Sous Chef, Hotel Sous Chef or Banqueting Sous Chef looking for your next challenge in Wiltshire?

Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort is seeking a talented and ambitious Sous Chef to support the leadership of our busy Conference & Banqueting Kitchen. Working within one of Wiltshire's leading luxury hospitality venues, you will play a key role in delivering exceptional food for weddings, corporate events, gala dinners, private celebrations and large-scale hospitality functions.

This is an exciting opportunity for a chef with experience in hotels, wedding venues, country house estates, golf resorts, conference centres or events catering who is looking to develop their career within a professional and supportive kitchen brigade.

The Role

As the Banqueting Sous Chef You will work closely with the Head Chef, Events team and Front of House management to plan and execute weddings, conferences, gala dinners and private functions, ensuring menus are delivered consistently and efficiently from preparation through to service.

This is a full-time role, working 45 hours per week on a shift rota, which include 08.00-17.00 and 11.00-22.00. Due to our rural location and event operating hours, access to reliable own transport is essential. Easily commutable from Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Melksham, Devizes, Trowbridge, Swindon, Bath and surrounding Wiltshire areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in leading the Conference & Banqueting Kitchen
• Deliver high-quality food for weddings, conferences and events
• Maintain excellent standards of presentation, consistency and portion control
• Lead, motivate and develop junior chefs and kitchen staff
• Ensure food safety, HACCP and hygiene standards are maintained
• Assist with menu development, stock control and ordering
• Work closely with Events and Front of House teams to ensure seamless service
• Thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume hospitality environment

The ideal candidate will have

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef
• Experience within a hotel, wedding venue, conference centre or banqueting kitchen
• Experience catering for high-volume events (up to 200 covers)
• Strong leadership and organisational skills
• A passion for producing fresh, high-quality food consistently at volume, with strong attention to presentation, flavour and portion control.
• Good knowledge of food safety and kitchen compliance
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and event schedules

Benefits include

• Enhanced holiday entitlement – 31 days including Bank Holidays
• Meals on duty
• Chef whites and uniform provided
• Free on-site parking
• Pension scheme
• Discounted spa treatments and 50% off TEMPLESPA products
• Free entry to Bowood House & Gardens during open season
• Discounted golf membership after probation
• Employee Assistance Programme through Hospitality ActionCareer progression opportunities within a leading Wiltshire hospitality business
• Staff social events and supportive team culture

Among the finest luxury 4 star hotels in Wiltshire, a stay at Bowood is one never to be forgotten. Located in Calne, the hotel is at the heart of the Bowood Estate, where we offer dreamy overnight stays, delicious home-cooked cuisine and a very warm welcome. With our award-winning spa and championship golf course, a stay can be as busy or as relaxed as our clients wish.