We now have an exciting opportunity in our busy food court, June's.
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.
Our venues, all held within our 128 acre site of stunning gardens, will jointly operate a turnover of £12.5 million. As a not for profit, everything we make is ploughed into conservation both here in the UK and around the world. Your role has a huge part to play in delivering our mission.
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 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
You'll be working a variety of shifts on a rota basis, including weekends and Bank Holidays, as well mornings and evenings for events as required.
Why Join Us?
Working with us means being part of something bigger. Every role plays a vital part in supporting our conservation mission, and we're committed to supporting our people in return.
This role offers the opportunity to work within a unique venue setting, supporting our vibrant and varied events calendar. Alongside working core zoo opening hours, you'll help deliver a number of evening events each year, from elegant weddings to high-profile corporate functions and seasonal late-night openings. Your contract hours are 40 per week, and you'll be paid overtime for all agreed overtime.
The Package:
Permanent contract
£27,307 per annum
Overtime available - this will be paid for agreed additional hours.
33 days annual leave
Staff family pass - so you can visit the zoo during your time off
Multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family.
Access to healthcare plan
Complimentary access to a variety of staff events and special experiences held throughout the year.
Generous employer contributory pension scheme
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
Want more info?
As part of our selection process, we'd be delighted to invite you to meet the team, explore our kitchen, and gain a real insight into what a typical day in this role looks like. It's a great opportunity to experience our working environment first-hand and see how your skills could contribute to our mission.
If you're excited about joining us or would like an informal conversation with Ben Finchett our Executive Head Chef to learn more, we'd love to hear from you. Please send your CV to to express your interest.
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.