At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant team to deliver exceptional food and beverage experiences at Chester Zoo.
- Company: Join the UK's biggest and best zoo, known for its inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 33 days annual leave, and discounts on gym memberships and more.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career development and growth.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting journey while making a real impact on visitor experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in a supervisory role and strong customer service skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 30000 £ per year.
We are looking for the perfect candidate to join our Food & Beverage team at Chester Zoo — someone who lives and breathes hospitality and thrives on delivering excellent customer service. As a Food & Beverage Supervisor, you will support the Assistant Manager in organising and overseeing the daily activities of the front-of-house team within your designated unit, ensuring we consistently deliver the world-class experience the zoo is known for.
Food & Beverage at the zoo includes a wide variety of outlets, from fast food and traditional family favourites to a gastro pub, coffee shops, kiosks, our staff canteen and a street kitchen serving Indonesian-inspired street food.
The Role
Providing key operational support to the Food & Beverage Assistant Manager, this is an excellent opportunity to showcase your strong leadership and people skills within a fast-paced environment. You will:
- Support the Assistant Manager to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of your unit
- Train, motivate and empower your team to deliver an outstanding visitor experience every day
- Ensure your unit is presented to the highest standards and fully stocked to meet visitor expectations
- Lead by example, acting as a role model for exceptional customer service
- Monitor standards of cleanliness, food safety and compliance procedures
The Package
You’ll be working 40 hours per week across a variety of shifts, 5 days out of 7 on a rota basis, including weekends and bank holidays. Hours will generally fall within core zoo opening times, although evening work will be required for events such as 'Into the Night' and 'The Lanterns'.
Permanent contract
Salary of £26,500 based on 40 hours per week
33 days annual leave
Holiday buy/sell scheme
Staff pass for zoo visits during your time off, plus complimentary tickets for friends and family
Cycle to work scheme
Healthcare plan and Employee Assistance Programme
Discounted gym membership
Discounts via Perks on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more
Pension scheme with generous employer contributions of up to 9%
Our Requirements
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to coordinate and support large teams daily
- Experience in a similar supervisory role within a high-volume restaurant or fast-food environment
- Confident in training, coaching and mentoring others
- Strong customer service focus
- Experience in cash handling, stock management and completing compliance documentation
- Competent in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and EPOS systems
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 over 600 permanent and 500 temporary 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.
We reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the listed date if we have received a high level of applications. We recommend that if you do wish to be considered that you submit your application as promptly as possible as shortlisting and interviews may be taking place whilst the advert is live.
Food & Beverage Supervisor in Chester employer: Chester-Zoo
Chester Zoo is an exceptional employer that prioritises a vibrant work culture and the growth of its employees. As a Food & Beverage Supervisor, you will not only lead a passionate team in delivering outstanding guest experiences but also benefit from competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and a comprehensive healthcare plan, all while working in a unique and inspiring environment dedicated to conservation and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food & Beverage Supervisor in Chester
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Chester-Zoo. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Chester-Zoo
Don't be shy about reaching out to Chester-Zoo directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Food & Beverage Supervisor in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Chester-Zoo and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chester-Zoo
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
