Sous Chef - Conferences & Banqueting - vacancy in Wiltshire
Sous Chef - C&B
This is a unique opportunity to join the team at the beautiful Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort as a Sous Chef - C&B
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.
If you love delivering exceptional food, and being part of memorable guest experiences, this could be your next exciting move.
This is an opportunity to showcase excellence in every dish, bring innovative ideas to our event menus, work collaboratively within a high-performing team, and lead with integrity in everything you do. This is a full-time role, working 45 hours per week on a shift rota.
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.
Key responsibilities
• Support the Head Chef in leading all banqueting kitchen operations
• Execute menus, ensuring consistency, presentation, and portion control meet 4-star standards.
• Manage food production, stock control, and cost efficiency maintaining GP targets.
• Deliver exceptional food quality for conferences, weddings, and events.
• 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.
• When necessary, support other areas of the department.
The Sous Chef will play a pivotal role in upholding the hotel’s reputation for excellence in conferencing and event catering.
The ideal candidate will have:
Proven experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a 4-star or 5-star hotel environment.
• Strong background in conferencing and banqueting operations.
• Experience managing high-volume service (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.
If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, take pride in high standards, and are motivated to inspire those around you, we would love to hear from you.
Benefits:
- Enhanced holiday entitlement (31 days including Bank Holidays)
- Uniform provided
- Meals whilst on duty
- Pension
- Free on-site parking
- Free entry to Bowood House and Gardens during the open season
- Hugely discounted Golf Membership (on successful completion of your probationary period)
- Discounted spa treatments and 50% off our beautiful Templespa products
- Employee Assistance Programme through Hospitality Action
- Company events
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.
