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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create innovative menus for a busy visitor attraction.
- Company: Join Twycross Zoo, a popular tourist destination with a vibrant culinary scene.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, free meals, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on visitors' experiences through delicious food and creativity.
- Qualifications: Proven Head Chef experience in high-volume environments and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth in a sustainable, values-driven company.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an existing Head Chef who is looking for a new challenge, and wanting to work in an environment that offers variety? Are you keen to utilise your current experience at a visitor attraction that allows you to be a culinary creative? We are looking for a Head Chef to lead and oversee the culinary operation and team, with a strong focus on food innovation and development at this busy tourist attraction in the heart of the Midlands.
As the Head Chef at Twycross Zoo, you will be joining this popular visitor attraction to lead and develop the culinary offering. This role will be responsible for the food offerings in the multi-outlet catering operation based on site, which consists of a mixture of concession outlets, grab & go kiosks and restaurants. This venue is predominantly retail food-led, so an individual with experience of high volume and high-quality food delivery would be ideal for this role. Success in this role means that visitors consistently enjoy food sold across all outlets, with the kitchens running efficiently, safely, and profitably. The successful candidate will continue to build on the great relationship we already have with the client, to work with them on continuing to view the catering offer as a key part of the success of Twycross Zoo.
What We Offer:
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Competitive pension contribution offer
- Enhanced maternity/paternity pay
- Free staff meals whilst working on site
- Free staff parking
- A supportive, values-driven culture within cohesive teams
- Opportunities for growth and development within a national business
- A chance to make a meaningful impact in a continuously growing sector.
Key Responsibilities:
- Menu Development & Innovation: Create and adapt menus that appeal to a broad visitor base, including family-friendly options, dietary requirements, and seasonal specials.
- Operational Excellence: Oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with food safety legislation, company policies, and contractual obligations.
- Leadership & Team Development: Recruit, train, and inspire a motivated kitchen team, fostering a positive and professional working culture.
- Cost Control & Profitability: Manage budgets, control wastage, and achieve GP targets without compromising quality.
- Collaboration: Work closely with front-of-house teams, site management, and the client to deliver a consistent and memorable food experience.
Qualifications:
- Proven track record as a Head Chef in a high-volume, high-quality environment.
- Experience in large-scale event catering.
- Experience within visitor attractions and contract catering is highly desirable.
- Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to lead by example.
- Excellent organisational skills, especially during peak periods.
- Sound knowledge of food trends, allergens, and dietary requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to achieve financial targets while maintaining high quality.
- Good IT and Microsoft Office skills.
- Passionate about food and hospitality with a strong customer focus.
- Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
- Creative, commercially aware, and results-driven.
- Committed to sustainability and responsible sourcing.
Equal Opportunity Statement: Restaurant Associates is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. As a business, we are committed to sustainability-led practices and are proud to have achieved 3 stars with the Sustainable Restaurant Association's Food Made Good Programme.
Head Chef employer: Compass Group PLC
Contact Detail:
Compass Group PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, industry contacts, or even friends who might know someone at Twycross Zoo. A personal connection can make all the difference in getting your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary creativity! Prepare a few signature dishes that reflect your style and innovation. If you get the chance to meet with the hiring team, bring along some samples or a portfolio of your best work.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your experience with high-volume catering. They want to know how you handle busy periods and maintain quality. Have some solid examples up your sleeve to showcase your skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Twycross Zoo.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Creativity: When you're writing your application, let your passion for food shine through! Share examples of how you've innovated menus or created unique dishes in your previous roles. We want to see your culinary flair!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've trained and inspired your kitchen crew in the past. We love a candidate who can motivate others!
Be Specific About Your Experience: Tailor your application to reflect your experience in high-volume environments and visitor attractions. Mention any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver quality food under pressure. We appreciate details!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your journey started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group PLC
✨Know Your Menus Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with a variety of menu styles and dietary requirements. Be ready to discuss how you would innovate and adapt menus for different visitor demographics, including family-friendly options and seasonal specials.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your experience in recruiting, training, and inspiring staff, as well as how you foster a positive working culture. This is key for a Head Chef role!
✨Demonstrate Operational Excellence
Be ready to talk about your experience with food safety legislation and operational compliance. Discuss how you’ve managed kitchen operations efficiently while ensuring high-quality food delivery, especially during peak periods.
✨Discuss Financial Acumen
Prepare to explain how you’ve managed budgets and controlled costs in previous roles. Share specific examples of how you achieved financial targets without compromising on quality, as this will be crucial for success in this position.
