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- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, prepare delicious dishes, and create trendy menus.
- Company: Join Chester Zoo, the UK's biggest and best zoo, committed to wildlife conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy sociable hours, 33 days annual leave, healthcare plan, and a staff zoo pass.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a difference in conservation while honing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume kitchens, strong leadership, and a passion for food trends required.
- Other info: Apply quickly; we hire as soon as we find the right candidate!
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 40000 £ per year.
How would you like to work in one of our stunning Heritage venues? Including The Oakfield, an award-winning British pub-restaurant which won the Travellers Choice Award in 2020, ranking it in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide. Or The Square, our new, grandeur, award-winning events venue. If this sounds like it might tickle your taste buds, apply now and join our fantastic team.
The Role
As part of our team of Chefs, you'll prepare and cook food working in The Oakfield pub-restaurant (located in the heart of our zoo) which was once home to the zoo's founder and his family. Our Sous Chefs take a lead role supporting our Executive Head Chef and Head Chef. They run the daily back of house operation in The Oakfield, training and mentoring our brigade of Chefs. They help to devise and develop on-trend gastro pub and event menus ahead of the competition, ensuring The Oakfield maintains its world-class reputation as a gastro pub and venue destination. Working closely with the front of house and events team, they ensure we deliver a world-class experience for all customers.
What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work? As the UK's biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there's always lots going on here. We're an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of nearly 500 permanent and 500 seasonal team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development. We have ambitious goals, and we want you to be with us for the long term on our exciting journey.
Our futures depend on the sustainable work we do today, and our team of Chefs are conscious that every little effort counts. We work alongside the Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil to ensure all palm oil used is certified sustainable, and during 2018 our food and beverage department removed over 2 million pieces of plastic from our operation.
The Package
- You’ll be working sociable hours typically during zoo opening hours which are generally between 10am - 6pm, although evening or early morning work will be required for events such as weddings or corporate functions.
- Contract hours are 40 per week, 5 days out of 7 on a rota basis including weekends and bank holidays and overtime will be paid for agreed additional hours.
- Permanent contract £35,497 per annum to include pay award active from January 2025, based on 40 hours per week.
- 33 days annual leave.
- Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family.
- Access to healthcare plan.
- Employer contributory pension scheme.
Our Requirements
- Demonstrable chef experience in a high-volume business, preferably gained within a leading British Gastro Pub.
- An excellent understanding of current gastro and event food & trends.
- Experience of leading a chef team.
- An excellent communicator and with a passion for coaching and developing a team.
- Excellent customer service and teamwork skills.
Although not essential, the following would be desirable:
- A Food Safety Level 3 qualification is preferable.
More About Us
We're not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that's home to 20,000 incredible animals inside 128 acres of stunning gardens. We're not just the UK's most popular zoo. We're a major wildlife charity that's committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we're making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it's needed most. We are Chester Zoo, and we prevent extinction.
Shortlist will take place while the advert is live and the ad will close when a suitable candidate is found. We recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Sous Chef employer: Chester Zoo
Contact Detail:
Chester Zoo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in gastro pub cuisine. Research popular dishes and innovative cooking techniques that are currently making waves in the culinary world. This knowledge will not only impress during interviews but also show your passion for staying ahead in the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with other chefs and professionals in the industry, especially those who have experience in high-volume settings like gastro pubs. Attend culinary events or workshops to make connections and learn from others, which could lead to valuable recommendations or insights about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you’ve successfully mentored other chefs in the past. Think of specific examples where you’ve improved team performance or contributed to a positive kitchen environment, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the Sous Chef position.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your enthusiasm for sustainability in the kitchen. Research Chester Zoo's initiatives regarding sustainable practices and be ready to share your ideas on how you can contribute to these efforts. This alignment with their values can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant chef experience, particularly in high-volume settings like gastro pubs. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held and your ability to mentor and train a team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for cooking and your understanding of current food trends. Mention why you want to work at Chester Zoo specifically and how you can contribute to their mission.
Showcase Your Skills: If you have a Food Safety Level 3 qualification or any other relevant certifications, be sure to include these in your application. Highlight any specific dishes or menus you've developed that align with the gastro pub style.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, double-check your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in the culinary field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chester Zoo
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in high-volume kitchens, especially in British gastro pubs. Highlight specific dishes you've created or menus you've developed that align with current food trends.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team. Share examples of how you've successfully trained and mentored other chefs in the past. Emphasise your communication skills and ability to foster teamwork in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Understand the Venue's Values
Research Chester Zoo and its commitment to sustainability and conservation. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to these values through your culinary practices, such as using sustainable ingredients and reducing waste.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling high-pressure situations, such as managing a busy service or resolving conflicts within the team. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and customer service skills.
