SOUS CHEF (BANQUETING)
| Company: | House of Commons |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £46,046 to £47,046 a year |
| Hours: | Full-time |
| Location: | Westminster, SW1A 0AA |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Posting date: | 12 Nov 2026 |
| Closing date: | 12 Dec 2026 |
Summary
What you'll be doing
The House of Commons operates some of the most prestigious and historic
hospitality and events spaces
in the world. From high-profile state banquets and Member-hosted political functions to elegant weddings, private celebrations, and intricate canapé receptions, our culinary team delivers excellence under the highest standards of security, precision, and sophistication.
We are seeking a
dynamic, highly skilled, and adaptable Banqueting Sous Chef
to lead our fast-paced event kitchen, driving culinary innovation while preserving the rich traditions of the Parliamentary Estate.
As our Banqueting Sous Chef, you will work closely with the Head Chef to oversee the production, logistics, and impeccable delivery of high-volume, premium events.
You will be hands-on in the kitchen, managing a talented brigade of chefs, and ensuring that every dish-whether a plated fine dining menu or a three-course wedding breakfast or thousands of intricate canapés-leaves the pass perfectly executed with flair and imagination.
Culinary Leadership:
Direct the day-to-day preparation, cooking, and visual presentation of food for diverse events, ensuring absolute consistency, portion control, and quality.
Event Execution:
Seamlessly manage the logistics of large-scale functions, adapting quickly to moving schedules, complex dietaries, and strict service windows.
Team Management:
Supervise, mentor, and motivate the kitchen brigade. Foster a positive, high-performing environment while managing kitchen rotas and section allocations
Menu Development:
Create exciting innovative menus showcasing the very best of seasonal produce. Manage food costings, wastage control, and inventory management with the banqueting kitchens.
Compliance & Safety:
Enforce the highest standards of food safety, allergen management, and health and safety regulations in accordance with Parliamentary guidelines.
Find out more about working at the House of Commons.
Why Join us?
In addition to your salary, we offer
an attractive range of benefits
including but not limited to:
Generous annual leave starting at 30 days and increasing to 35 after one full working year.
Enrolment in the excellent
Civil Service pension
scheme with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
Flexible working options that help you find a balance including enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave, caring leave and alternative working patterns.
What we're looking for
Experience:
Proven experience as a Sous Chef or Senior role within a high-volume, luxury banqueting environment (e.g., 4/5-star hotels, historic venues, or premium event caterers, stadiums etc).
Versatility:
Comfortable executing a wide range of formats, including fine dining, banquets, canapés events including themed events, and high-end buffets.
Leadership Style:
A calm, collaborative, and confident leader who works well under pressure and leads by example in the kitchen.
Organisational Skills:
Exceptional logistical awareness understands the complexities of managing multiple events and delivering food within strict timelines.
How to Apply
If you are a driven culinary professional ready to showcase your talents on a world stage, we want to hear from you.
Please submit your CV and provide evidence against criteria 1-5 in the Job Description. 500 words maximum per criteria
More information on the application process can be found here:
Application process - UK Parliament
Additional Information
Please ensure that you anonymise your application by removing any identifiable factors from your CV or Supporting Statement.
Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.
We may close the vacancy prior to the closing date stated due to a high volume of applications.
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