Lead Chef
How would you like to work in allocation like no other? 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.
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.
If this sounds like it might tickle your taste buds, apply now and join our fantastic team.
The Role
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.
You will:
* 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
* Work collaboratively with the front of house team to ensure seamless delivery
* 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
The Package
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
* Annual holiday buy/sell scheme
* 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%
Our Requirements
* 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
* Excellent customer service skills
* Stock handling experience
* Minimum Level 2 Food Safety
* Good COSHH understanding and workplace application
* Good communication and coaching skills
More about working for us
We celebrate diversity and we’re building a workplace where everyone belongs, and everyone is included. We place utmost trust in all our employees and give you the encouragement to do great work.
We expect a can-do attitude, but we don’t expect you to do it alone - you’ll be supported every step of the way. You’ll be given the tools you need to do your job well, and you’ll be offered further learning in areas there’s a gap.
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.
Shortlist will take place while the advert is live and the ad will close when a suitable candidate is found. We recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.