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- Tasks: Prepare exceptional meals and support the Lead Chef in a vibrant zoo environment.
- Company: Join Chester Zoo, a renowned conservation charity with award-winning dining venues.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, staff zoo passes, and discounts on various services.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team making a real impact in conservation while honing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Previous chef experience and Level 2 Food Safety qualification required; customer service experience is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, excellent training opportunities, and a supportive work culture await you.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 30000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Chef de Partie role at Chester Zoo
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 2024, 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.
We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Chef de Partie, to work in one of our outstanding restaurants at Chester Zoo. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone keen to develop their knowledge and skills under the direction of our talented senior Chef team.
The Role
Food & Beverage at the zoo includes our award winning British gastro-pub The Oakfield, The Square, as well as three other restaurants, cafes, and coffee houses. Under the direction of our Sous Chef and Lead Chef you will be responsible for your own section, preparing exceptional meals for either a variety of events, including weddings and other special occasions, as well as large corporate functions and bespoke events, or even our many zoo visitors and members.
You will:
- Support the Lead Chef and Sous Chef in helping to produce food to the highest standards which ensures Chester Zoo maintains its world class reputation
- Train and mentor Line Chefs and Seasonal team members to ensure effective and efficient work practice
- Work collaboratively with the front of house team to ensure seamless delivery and a world class customer service
- Adhere to health and hygiene policies, standard operating procedures and safe working practices including food safety systems and associated legislation (for example HACCP)
- Under direction from the Lead Chef, ensure correct stock levels on a day-to-day basis, place order requests to be processed and accept deliveries, ensuring they are correct and rotate stock as required
The Package
- You’ll be working a variety of shifts on a rota basis, including weekends and Bank Holidays, as well as mornings and evenings for events as required.
- Permanent contract
- £26,500 per annum based on 40 hours per week
- 33 days annual leave
- Annual holiday buy/sell scheme, with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days
- Staff pass so you and your dependent family can visit the zoo, plus 20 additional complimentary tickets per year for your friends and family
- Excellent training and development opportunities
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free travel to and from work on the X1 bus service from Chester or Ellesmere Port
- Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme
- Discounted gym membership
- Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
- Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9%
Our Requirements
- Previous chef experience, preferably gained in a leading British Gastro-pub or events venue
- Able to demonstrate understanding of food types and production methods
- Level 2 Food Safety qualification
- A ‘can do’ and flexible attitude to work
- Good communication skills
- Although not essential, the following would be desirable
- Customer service experience
More About Working For Us
We celebrate diversity and we’re building a workplace where everyone belongs, and everyone is included. We place utmost trust in all our employees and give you the encouragement to do great work. We expect a can-do attitude, but we don’t expect you to do it alone – you’ll be supported every step of the way. You’ll be given the tools you need to do your job well, and you’ll be offered further learning in areas there’s a gap. As an international conservation charity, we’re focused on continuing to make a difference in conservation. We are Chester Zoo, and together we are creating a future where nature can survive and thrive.
Shortlisting and interviewing will take place while the advert is live and the advert will close once the successful candidate is found. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
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Chef de Partie employer: Chester Zoo
Contact Detail:
Chester Zoo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef de Partie
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Chester Zoo's culinary offerings, especially The Oakfield and The Square. Understanding their menu and style will help you demonstrate your passion for the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Chester Zoo if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with training and mentoring junior chefs. Highlighting your leadership skills will show that you're ready to support the Lead Chef and Sous Chef effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to showcase your knowledge of food safety standards and practices. Since adherence to health and hygiene policies is crucial, demonstrating your commitment to these standards can set you apart.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef de Partie
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the culinary field, especially in British gastro-pubs or events venues. Emphasise any specific roles where you supported senior chefs or trained junior staff.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and customer service. Mention why you want to work at Chester Zoo specifically and how your skills align with their values and mission.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Include any relevant qualifications, such as your Level 2 Food Safety certification. If you have additional training or courses related to food preparation or safety, be sure to mention those as well.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills: Since the role involves working collaboratively with both kitchen and front-of-house teams, provide examples of past experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team to deliver exceptional service.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chester Zoo
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in the kitchen, especially in a British gastro-pub or events venue. Bring examples of dishes you've created or worked on, and be ready to explain your cooking techniques and food production methods.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork
Since the role involves working closely with both the kitchen and front of house teams, highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues in past roles, particularly in high-pressure situations.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Make sure to mention your Level 2 Food Safety qualification and any relevant experience you have with health and hygiene policies. This shows that you take food safety seriously and understand the importance of maintaining high standards.
✨Express Your Passion for Conservation
Chester Zoo is an international conservation charity, so expressing your enthusiasm for wildlife and conservation can set you apart. Share any personal experiences or interests related to nature and how they align with the zoo's mission.
