The Doxford Group | Northumberland
Full-time, Permanent
The Doxford Group is looking for an exceptional Head Chef to lead the kitchen operation across Doxford Barns and Charlton Hall, two of Northumberland’s most distinctive wedding venues.
This is a senior, hands-on role for an experienced chef who understands the organisation, consistency and attention to detail required to deliver outstanding food across a busy wedding and events operation.
We’re looking for someone who can take real ownership of both kitchens – leading from the front, developing the team, maintaining excellent standards and ensuring great food goes hand-in-hand with strong commercial performance.
The Role
You will be responsible for:
- Leading the kitchen operation across Doxford Barns and Charlton Hall
- Recruiting, developing and motivating a strong kitchen team
- Planning and delivering consistently high-quality food across a busy wedding calendar
- Developing creative, seasonal wedding and event menus
- Championing quality local and regional produce
- Working closely with Venue Managers to deliver an exceptional wedding-day experience
- Managing food GP, purchasing, stock, wastage and supplier relationships
- Managing kitchen labour and rotas in line with agreed targets
- Maintaining excellent food safety, hygiene and compliance standards
- Creating a positive, organised and accountable kitchen culture
Who We're Looking For
Wedding and event catering is a very particular operation, so strong experience of weddings, events, banqueting or high-volume hospitality is important.
You should have:
- Proven Head Chef or senior kitchen leadership experience
- Strong experience delivering high-volume events
- Excellent organisation and attention to detail
- A hands-on leadership style
- Strong commercial awareness, particularly around GP and labour
- A passion for quality, seasonal and locally sourced produce
- The ability to develop and retain a strong team
- Creativity and confidence in menu development
- A calm, professional approach to busy services
- High standards without ego
The Opportunity
This is an opportunity to take ownership of the food operation across two established and highly distinctive Northumberland wedding venues.
We want someone who can bring quality, consistency, creativity, leadership and commercial discipline to the role – and who takes real pride in the food their team delivers.
Salary: £50,000
Performance Bonus: Up to £5,000 per annum, linked to GP, labour, team retention and guest feedback
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Location: Doxford Barns & Charlton Hall, Northumberland
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Chef: 4 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
