Banqueting & Events Head Chef
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Heaton House Farm Stable Yard Catering
45 days per week | Variable shifts aligned to events (predominantly daytime with some evenings)
Permanent | Full-time
Heaton House Farm is a family-run events business, home to Stable Yard Catering, our onsite and external catering company. We are renowned for delivering exceptional weddings alongside charity events, corporate meetings and flagship company events, with catering provided both on-site and at venues across the region, all supported by a professional and friendly team.
Due to recent changes within our kitchen structure, we are now seeking an experienced and motivated Banqueting & Events Head Chef to lead our kitchen brigade, drive standards and take full ownership of our banqueting and events catering operation.
What youll be doing
* Lead the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring smooth and efficient service
* Deliver consistently high-quality food for weddings, private events, corporate functions and external catering events
* Take overall responsibility for all food production across onsite and offsite operations
* Manage, inspire and develop the kitchen team including Senior Sous Chef, Sous Chefs, CDPs and support staff
* Oversee food preparation, service and presentation to ensure exceptional standards
* Plan rotas in line with event schedules, labour budgets and business needs
* Manage ordering, supplier relationships and stock control
* Maintain tight control of food costs, margins, portioning and waste
* Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, HACCP and allergen procedures
* Work closely with front-of-house and events teams to deliver seamless guest experiences
* Lead menu development and continuous improvement of the food offering
* Support the growth and promotion of Stable Yard Catering as an external catering provider
* Attend and oversee key external catering events where required
* Drive consistency, efficiency and a positive kitchen culture
About you
* Proven experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef or equivalent senior leadership role, ideally within banqueting, weddings or high-volume events
* Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, coach and develop a team
* Confident delivering high-quality food at scale with consistency and attention to detail
* Highly organised with strong planning and problem-solving skills
* Commercially aware with experience managing food costs, labour and budgets
* Passionate about fresh, seasonal food and maintaining high standards
* Calm under pressure with a hands-on, lead-from-the-front approach
* Strong xsngvjr understanding of food safety and allergen management
* Full UK driving licence and access to transport due to our rural location
Working pattern
* 45 days per week
* Shifts aligned to event schedules including a mix of daytime and evening work
* Weekends and bank holidays required as part of an events business
* Flexibility essential to meet the demands of a busy events calendar
What we offer
* A senior leadership role within a well-established and respected events venue
* The opportunity to shape and develop a high-performing kitchen team
* Creative input into menus, food presentation and business growth
* Strong support from an experienced and professional management team
* A positive, family-run working environment
* Company pension scheme
* Christmas Day off
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