Head Chef Banqueting
Requirements
Requires at least five years of experience in high-volume banqueting or luxury hotel kitchens, with leadership experience at Senior Sous Chef or Head Chef level. Candidates must have NVQ Level 2/3 Professional Cookery or equivalent, Level 3 Food Safety, and strong knowledge of UK food safety, allergens, HACCP, cost management, menu planning, and large-scale production.
Job Description
Location: On-site in Knutsford, Cheshire, North-West England (not remote)
Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere is one of the North West’s most distinguished luxury destinations. Nestled in the heart of the Cheshire countryside and surrounded by a championship golf course, the resort combines Fairmont’s world-renowned elegance with the warmth and character of its local heritage. Renowned for exceptional service and attention to detail, Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere offers guests an indulgent escape featuring world-class spa experiences, exceptional dining, and outstanding leisure facilities. Whether visiting for relaxation, celebration, or business, Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere is dedicated to creating unforgettable moments and delivering the very best in 5-star luxury hospitality.
Your purpose will be:
As Head Chef, Banqueting at Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, you will lead the culinary vision and daily operations of our Events Kitchen, delivering exceptional cuisine for weddings, corporate functions, and large‑scale celebrations. This role is central to shaping memorable dining experiences that reflect Fairmont’s renowned standards of elegance, creativity, and precision. You will inspire and guide a talented brigade, craft innovative seasonal menus, and ensure flawless execution across all banqueting events.
Job Description
- Reporting to the Executive Head Chef the Head Chef will lead all aspects of the Banqueting Kitchen, ensuring seamless delivery of high‑quality dishes for events of all sizes.
- Design and develop seasonal, innovative menus in partnership with the Executive Chef, showcasing premium ingredients and modern techniques.
- Inspire, mentor, and develop a skilled team of chefs, fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with clients, event planners, and internal stakeholders to create bespoke culinary experiences tailored to each occasion.
- Oversee stock management, procurement, and cost control to maximise profitability while maintaining exceptional standards.
- Uphold strict compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health regulations at all times.
- Stay current with culinary trends and integrate new ideas to elevate the Fairmont banqueting offering.
- Coordinate daily kitchen operations including production schedules, plating standards, and quality control.
- Work closely with Events, Sales, and Operations teams to ensure flawless event execution and guest satisfaction.
- Conduct regular team briefings, performance reviews, and training programmes to support professional development.
- Champion sustainability initiatives and support Fairmont’s commitment to responsible hospitality.
- Maintain a proactive, solutions‑focused approach to ensure guest expectations are consistently exceeded.
- Demonstrate flexibility and multi‑skilling as required to support the wider culinary and hotel operation.
Qualifications
- 5+ years’ experience in high‑volume banqueting or luxury hotel kitchens
- Proven leadership at Senior Sous Chef or Head Chef level
- NVQ Level 2/3 Professional Cookery (or equivalent)
- Level 3 Food Safety (essential)
- Strong knowledge of UK food safety, allergens, and HACCP
- Demonstrated ability to manage costs, menus, and large‑scale production
What is in it for you?
- Exclusive Discounts:
- Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, Spa and Golf discount
- Fairmont, Raffles, and Accor Hotels (friends and family rates are included)
- 20% off food and beverage in on-site restaurants
- Colleague restaurant
- Being part of The Mere Team – our culture is unique!
- You will benefit from training and development opportunities
- Competitive salary and benefits including pension
- 28 days of holiday including public holidays
- 1-5 days service award based on length of service
- Special rates for Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere colleagues and their friends & family and discount across Accor hotels worldwide
- And last but not least you will get to work with a team of EXTRAORDINARY people
Education
Skills
About Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
Located in the heart of each destination we call home, a stay at any Fairmont hotel is truly unforgettable. Known for grand and awe-inspiring properties and thoughtful and engaging colleagues who aim to make each and every stay a cherished and memorable experience, we have been the stage for some of the most significant moments in global history. As a part of ALL - the Accor Live Limitless Lifestyle Loyalty Program, with 90 exceptional addresses in 32 countries, we are as favored by world leaders and business travelers as we are by families and those with a penchant for luxurious travels. Fairmont Hotels stand at the intersection of elegance and culture, where significant occasions are honored and pivotal global events unfold. Wherever we are situated, our hotels become the cultural and social heart of the community; so immersed in local traditions and so deeply connected to our surroundings, Fairmont Hotels are seen as an essential part of their respective destinations.
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