At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and curate exciting menus using fresh ingredients at a leading UK visitor attraction.
- Company: Join Chester Zoo, the UK's biggest and best zoo, with a vibrant and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 33 days annual leave, staff pass, and discounts on various services.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent training and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Lead a passionate team and make a real impact in the hospitality industry while inspiring others.
- Qualifications: Significant chef experience, strong leadership skills, and a passion for food trends required.
The predicted salary is between 40430 - 40430 £ per year.
Head Chef
How would you like to create, cultivate and curate some of the best menus at any visitor attraction in the UK.
We’re moving towards our next step in our transformation by using fresh picked ingredients, connecting our food to our mission and showing our conservation principles in the story we tell our visitors on their plates.
This is a highly creative, but disciplined role.
You will need to deliver consistency, compliance led as well as having the ability to spot talent and inspire them to be the best they can be.
We have an exciting vacancy for a Head Chef to join our Food & Beverage team reporting directly to the Executive Head Chef.
As part of the Food & Beverage management team you will deliver quality catering across the business at all levels.
Specifically delivering at concept stage of menu creation, primarily focusing on the award winning venues The Square and The Oakfield, as well as events across our whole site.
We’re passionate about the hospitality industry – and we expect you to be the same.
As other business’ in the UK have struggled, we have thrived, and will continue to do so.
It is important that you are a people person, understand the difference between leadership and management, and how to get the best results whilst getting the very best from your people.
The Role
- To source, select, develop and procure suitable food products ensuring all transactions fall within company ethical business and sustainable purchasing guidelines whilst exceeding the needs of the business and our visitors.
- To work with the Executive Head Chef and Procurement Manager, on new projects to ensure quality of products and offers across the department exceed customer expectations and departmental revenue and margin KPI’s are achieved.
To deliver training of new offers and manage the new implementation process.
- To manage internal and external stakeholders, working closely with existing suppliers to ensure that best value is achieved for the organisation with the aim of meeting agreed departmental target KPIs.
- To support the Executive Head Chef in leading the Chef team to ensure optimal people performance, making customers a priority every day for you and your team.
- Manage stock efficiently to guarantee effective yield management of produce to ensure a comprehensive sales return, and successful delivery of margins.
- To build your network both internally and externally to maintain a good understanding of current catering trends, monitor market changes and competitor activity to ensure you are able to generate new ideas and ensure the Zoo are leaders within the industry.
- Responsible for supporting the management of the correct day to day operation of catering systems, including Food safety, HACCP, health and safety, stock management systems (FIFO).
- The Package
You’ll be working a variety of shifts, across our core zoo opening hours as well as early mornings and evenings for events as required.
Contract hours are 40 per week, worked 5 days out of 7.
- Permanent contract
• £40,430 per annum based on 40 hours per week
• 33 days annual leave - Annual holiday buy/sell scheme
- Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family
- Cycle to work scheme
- Healthcare cash 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%
- Excellent training and development opportunities
- Our Requirements
The successful candidate will
- Have significant Chef experience operating at a senior level within a quality food environment, menu development and a broad knowledge of global food trends.
- Have proven ability to develop new products in line with current market trends.
- Be able to clearly communicate at different levels and gain buy in.
- Have experience of training and developing teams in a multi-unit environment.
- Have a minimum intermediate health and hygiene certificate, advanced certificate would be preferable.
- Have good practical knowledge of budgeting, forecasting and setting targets.
- Have practical experience of managing chef teams and managing health and hygiene practices in a multi-unit environment.
- Have excellent communication skills at all levels.
- Have strong analytical and data analysis skills with specific F&B experience.
• Be a natural trader with the ability to spot a commercial opportunity. - Have the ability to understand and work with colleagues whose priorities may differ from those in F&B.
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 up to 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.
Please be aware we reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the listed date if we have received a high level of applications.
We would recommend that if you do wish to be considered that you complete the application as promptly as possible as shortlisting and interviews may be taking place whilst the advert is live.
Head Chef employer: Chester-Zoo
Chester Zoo is not just a leading visitor attraction; it's a vibrant community of passionate conservationists dedicated to making a difference in wildlife preservation. With a unique working environment surrounded by stunning gardens and incredible animals, employees enjoy a collaborative culture that prioritises professional growth and development. The zoo offers generous benefits, including a healthcare plan, annual leave, and opportunities for career advancement, making it an exceptional place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨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 Head Chef
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!
