Introduction
Chester Zoo is a leading international conservation charity seeking a skilled Lead Chef to join our team. As a key member of our Food & Beverage department, you will play a vital role in delivering exceptional dining experiences for our visitors while upholding our commitment to sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
You will be responsible for supporting the Sous Chef and Head Chef in The Oakfield, ensuring the provision of fresh, high-quality ingredients while meeting our sustainable values. This will involve:
* Providing support in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, deputising for the Sous Chef in their absence, and acting as the first point of contact for service recovery
* Supporting the Sous Chef in devising and delivering on-trend restaurant, gastro pub, and event menus, ensuring all venues at Chester Zoo maintain its world-class reputation
* Producing food for customers of our restaurants and events to the highest standards to maximise profit and deliver a world-class experience
* Training and mentoring Chef de Parties, Line Chefs, and Seasonal team members to ensure effective and efficient work practices
* Working collaboratively with the front-of-house team to ensure seamless delivery
* Adhering to, and ensuring team members adhere to, health and hygiene, standard operating procedures, and safe working practices, including food safety systems and associated legislation
* Ensuring 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
We offer a competitive salary of £28,612.83 per annum, based on a 40-hour week, as well as a range of benefits, including:
* 33 days annual leave
* Annual holiday buy/sell scheme
* Staff pass for zoo visits during time off
* Complimentary tickets for 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%
Requirements
To be successful in this role, you will need:
* 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
About Working for Us
We celebrate diversity and are building a workplace where everyone belongs and 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 where 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.