We have an exciting opportunity to work as part of a growing team, working in a truly unique environment at the UK’s number 1 zoo! As part of the Food and Beverage team, the Sous Chef will be responsible for the daily management of the Chef team working in our new gateway to Heart of Africa venue Bembe.
All of our kitchens are led by our sustainable values. We work hard to source high quality, local and seasonal produce, and are making progress towards zero waste kitchens by 2030. We also collaborate with our suppliers to ensure only ethically sourced palm oil enters our kitchens.
The Role
As part of our team of Chefs, you’ll prepare and cook food working predominantly in Bembe restaurant.
Our Sous Chefs take a lead role supporting our Executive Head Chef and Head Chef. They run the daily back of house operation in Bembe, training and mentoring our brigade of Chefs. They help to devise and develop on-trend menus with a twist. Working closely with the front of house team, they ensure we deliver a world-class experience for all customers.
You will:
* Run the day-to-day operation of the fast-paced and exciting kitchens you are responsible for.
* Devise and deliver on-trend restaurant, gastro pub, and event menus ahead of competition, ensuring all venues at Chester Zoo maintain its world class reputation as a visitor attraction.
* Produce food for customers of Chester Zoo’s restaurants and events to the highest standards in order to maximize profit and deliver a world class experience.
* Train and mentor Lead Chefs and Chef de Parties, ensuring effective and efficient work practices.
* Work collaboratively with the front of house team to ensure seamless delivery and world class customer service.
* Take the lead in ensuring health and hygiene policies and associated legislation (HACCP, etc.) are completed and ensure team members adhere to policies, standard operating procedures, and safe working practices including food safety systems.
* Ensure the team is trained to correctly manage stock on a day-to-day basis, able to place orders in a timely fashion, accept deliveries, ensuring they are correct, and rotate stock as required.
The Package
You’ll be working sociable hours typically during zoo opening hours which are generally between 10am – 6pm, although evening or early morning work will be required for events such as weddings or corporate functions. Contract hours are 40 per week, 5 days out of 7 on a rota basis including weekends and bank holidays, and overtime will be paid for agreed additional hours.
* Permanent contract
* £34,711.57 based on 40 hours per week (increasing to £35,496.92 on 01 April 2025).
* 33 days annual leave
* Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family.
* Access to healthcare plan.
* Employer contributory pension scheme.
Our Requirements
* Demonstrable chef experience in a high-volume business, preferably gained within a leading British Gastro Pub.
* An excellent understanding of current gastro and event food & trends.
* Experience of leading a chef team.
* An excellent communicator with a passion for coaching and developing a team.
* Excellent customer service and teamwork skills.
* Although not essential, the following would be desirable:
* A Food Safety Level 3 qualification is preferable.
More About Us
We’re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to 20,000 incredible animals inside 128 acres of stunning gardens. We’re not just the UK’s most popular zoo. We’re a major wildlife charity that’s committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we’re making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it’s needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction.
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