Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Chef, crafting delicious Thai and Pan-Asian dishes in a vibrant kitchen.
- Company: Zen Group is a locally owned hospitality group with exciting venues in Durham.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounted food, service charge on top of salary, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an expanding team passionate about food and customer satisfaction in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 1+ years of chef experience and expertise in wok handling and Thai cuisine required.
- Other info: We value individuality and potential; all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Chef – Zen – Durham
Who We Are…
“If you go to Durham City and fancy a bite to eat, there’s a very strong chance that you’ll be enjoying a sandwich, burger or some seriously fine Asian fusion dining at one of the Zen Group’s restaurants, bistros or coffee shops”. (Insider Media; Nov 2023).
A locally owned hospitality group with serious aspirations, there couldn’t be a more exciting time to join Zen Group. We own 4 of Durham’s most popular and exciting venues; Zen, Tango, The Rabbit Hole and Whitechurch. We are investing and expanding. Along with recently acquiring Whitechurch Durham, we have relocated Tango to a brand new venue and renovated The Rabbit Hole. We are passionate about our venues and our people and are investing in both.
What We Need…
We are looking for an exciting, experienced and professional Chef to join up our flagship site, Zen Durham. You will have a strong pedigree in Thai and Pan-Asian cuisine, and be a master of wok handling.
As a Chef at Zen Durham, you will be expected to deliver our menu, show skill and care, thrive on exceeding customer expectations in a very faced paced environment and have a genuine passion for Thai cuisine.
This is an exciting time to be joining Zen as we continue to expand across the north east, and beyond.
Essential to us…
- At least 1 years experience as a chef, with use of a wok essential
- Extensive knowledge of Thai and Pan-Asian cuisine, with a passion for producing premium, innovative and signature dishes
What we can offer…
- Discounted food
- TRONC/Service charge on top of your salary
- Continual professional development/ongoing training
- Progression within the group as we expand
To apply for this role please hit the apply button and send us your CV and tell us a little bit about yourself. Our team are looking forward to hearing from you!
While our job adverts outline the ideal qualities, skills, and prior experience for the role, we believe in people, individuality and potential. If you do not meet every desired criteria but feel you have the skills and experience to thrive in this role as well as a genuine interest in working for Zen Group and you can demonstrate an alignment with our values, we would encourage you to apply.
We welcome applications from a diverse range of individuals and will consider any reasonable adjustments to enable candidates to perform as well as possible during the recruitment process.
Contact Detail:
Zen Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef - Zen - Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Zen Group's menu and signature dishes. Understanding their style and offerings will help you demonstrate your passion for Thai and Pan-Asian cuisine during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your wok handling skills in a practical setting. If possible, arrange a trial shift or cooking demonstration to highlight your expertise and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with current or former employees of Zen Group on social media platforms like LinkedIn. Gaining insights from their experiences can provide you with valuable information about the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 4
Express your enthusiasm for the expansion of Zen Group in your conversations. Showing that you are excited about their growth and future opportunities can set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely invested in the company's success.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef - Zen - Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in Thai and Pan-Asian cuisine. Include specific examples of dishes you've created or techniques you've mastered, especially wok handling.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a brief personal statement that reflects your passion for cooking and your enthusiasm for joining Zen Group. Mention why you are excited about the opportunity and how your values align with theirs.
Showcase Your Experience: In your application, detail your previous roles as a chef, focusing on your experience in fast-paced environments. Highlight any achievements or recognitions that demonstrate your culinary skills.
Express Your Passion: When applying, convey your genuine interest in Thai cuisine and your commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences. This can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zen Group
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
During the interview, express your genuine love for Thai and Pan-Asian cuisine. Share specific dishes you enjoy preparing and any unique twists you've added to traditional recipes. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and creativity in the kitchen.
✨Highlight Your Wok Skills
Since wok handling is essential for this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with it. Mention any techniques or styles you excel in, and if possible, provide examples of dishes you've created using a wok that showcase your skills.
✨Prepare for Fast-Paced Scenarios
Zen Durham operates in a fast-paced environment, so be ready to discuss how you handle pressure. Share experiences where you successfully managed busy service periods, maintained quality, and exceeded customer expectations.
✨Align with Zen Group's Values
Research Zen Group and understand their values and vision. During the interview, articulate how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding passion for food and commitment to customer satisfaction. This will show that you're not just looking for a job, but a place where you can grow and contribute.
