Sous Chef - Banqueting

We’re looking for a strong, organised Sous Chef to support the delivery of high-quality food across our busy banqueting operation. This is a fast-paced, varied role covering weddings, corporate events, afternoon tea service, and production kitchen output including patisserie. Working closely with the Executive Head Chef & Head Chef, you’ll play a key role in ensuring every event runs smoothly, every plate meets our standards, and the kitchen operates efficiently under pressure.

**Our Ethos**
At Doddington, our food is driven by provenance, seasonality, and a close connection to the estate. We work closely with our kitchen garden, using hyper-seasonal produce grown just metres from the kitchen, and champion estate-reared Doddington beef and game across our menus. This is a kitchen where ingredients lead the offer, simplicity, quality, and respect for produce are at the heart of everything we do. We’re looking for a chef who values this approach and takes pride in cooking with fresh, local ingredients.

**What You’ll Be Doing**
- Supporting the delivery of weddings, corporate events, and private functions
- Leading kitchen service during busy event periods
- Overseeing prep and production to ensure readiness across multiple events
- Supporting afternoon tea and patisserie production
- Maintaining consistency in food quality, presentation, and portioning
- Supervising and developing junior chefs and kitchen assistants
- Ensuring smooth communication between kitchen and front of house teams
- Managing stock, reducing waste, and supporting cost control
**What We’re Looking For**
- Previous experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous in a high-volume environment
- Experience in banqueting, events, or large-scale service
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple services at once
- Confidence leading a team during busy service
- A genuine passion for seasonal, estate-led produce
- A good understanding of pastry and afternoon tea
- Calm under pressure with a hands-on approach
**What We Offer**
- Competitive salary
- Opportunity to work with outstanding estate-grown and locally sourced produce
- A supportive and professional kitchen environment
- A strong focus on work-life balance within a structured 45-hour contract
- Career development within a growing estate operation
- Staff benefits and discounts across the estate
**Why This Role Matters**
This is a key position in the kitchen. Success comes down to organisation, leadership, and consistency – especially during high-volume events. If you enjoy structured, fast-paced service and take pride in cooking with exceptional ingredients, this role will suit you.
To apply, please send your CV:**[email protected]**