Head ChefLocation: Twycross ZooSalary: Up to £45,000 per annumContract: Full-Time, Permanent, 5 out of 7 daysAre 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're 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.About the Role:As the Head Chef at Twycross Zoo, you will be joining this popular visitor attraction, to lead and develop the culinary offering. This hands-on 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, fast-paced 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.Looking ahead, Twycross Zoo has an exciting new project scheduled to come online in 2027, bringing significant conferencing and events (C&E) potential. This development will play a key role in shaping the future food offer on site, creating opportunities to broaden menus, elevate event catering, and contribute to large-scale hospitality operations. It's an exciting opportunity for a Head Chef to advance their career while leading the culinary vision of a high-profile, growing attraction. What We Offer:20 days holiday bank holidaysCompetitive pension contribution offerEnhanced maternity/paternity payFree staff meals whilst working on siteFree staff parkingA supportive, values-driven culture within cohesive teamsOpportunities for growth and development within a national businessA 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 across multiple outlets, 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.Event Catering – Plan, execute, and oversee high-volume catering for large-scale events, ensuring exceptional quality and seamless service across all outlets.Multi-Day Operations Management - Ensure kitchens and outlets run smoothly across a 7-day operational schedule, maintaining high standards and efficiency throughout the week. What We\'re Looking For:Proven track record as a Head Chef in a fast-paced, high-volume and high-quality environment.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. About Us:Restaurant Associates is a leading premium hospitality provider with an ethos drawn from our history of fine and high-quality dining in London and New York.Within our venues team, we provide catering and hospitality services to some of the most iconic visitor attractions and destinations in the UK including the Imperial War Museum London, Glyndebourne Opera House, Knebworth House, Design Museum, Whipsnade Zoo and many more. Within these amazing venues we operate a host of bespoke cafés and restaurants, as well as delivering private events ranging from small meetings to large-scale ground events of up to 1000 people. You can find a full list of our venues on our website.We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, diverse, fun, and dynamic place to work with opportunities to collaborate with a wide range of teams plus a commitment to putting our people first. 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.Job Reference: com/0402/92635001/52774458/R/SU RA Venues