Lead Chef
We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Chef to join our team.
All of our kitchens are led by our sustainable values. We work hard to source high quality, local and seasonal produce, are making progress towards zero waste kitchens by 2030. We also partner with our suppliers to ensure only ethically sourced palm oil enters our kitchens.
Food & Beverage at the zoo includes, The Oakfield, The Square as well as three other restaurants, cafes, and coffee houses. This role will be based in Junes, where we have a burger counter, Fish and chip counter and a Pizza section with a Pizza oven. You will be directly responsible for supporting the Sous Chef and Head Chef in Junes making sure the department is driving the provision of fresh, quality ingredients whilst meeting our sustainable values.
Provide support in the day-to-day running of the kitchen. Deputise for the Sous Chef in their absence and act as the first point of contact for service recovery
Produce food for customers of our restaurants and events to the highest standards in order to maximise profit and deliver a world class experiences
Train and mentor Chef de Parties, Line Chefs and Seasonal team members to ensure effective and efficient work practice
Adhere to, and ensure team members adhere to, health and hygiene, standard operating procedures and safe working practices including food safety systems and associated legislation (for example HACCP)
Ensure correct stock levels on a day-to-day basis, placing order requests to the Sous Chef, and accepting deliveries, ensuring they are correct and rotating stock as required
You'll be working a variety of shifts, across our core zoo opening hours, as well as covering early mornings and evenings for events or late opening as required.
~ Permanent contract
~£29,260 per annum based on a 40 hour week
~33 days annual leave
~ Staff pass so you and your immediate family can visit the zoo during your time off, plus 20 additional complimentary tickets per year for your friends and family
~ Cycle to work scheme
~ Healthcare plan
~ Discounted gym membership
~ Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
~ Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9%
Demonstrable experience of chef skills in a high-volume business, including hotels, venues, restaurants, pubs and contract catering
Able to demonstrate understanding of current restaurant and event food trends
Minimum Level 2 Food Safety
Good communication and coaching skills
We celebrate diversity and we're building a workplace where everyone belongs, and everyone is included. 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.
We recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.