Are you ready to take the next step in your career in a truly unique environment? We re looking for an Events Shift Leader to join our Food & Beverage team at the UK s number 1 zoo In this role, you ll work closely with our Events Assistant Managers to oversee the daily operations of our Events team, taking a leading role in delivering exceptional events across the zoo- Predominantly within our stunning wedding and events space The Square and our award winning British gastro-pub, The Oakfield. You ll also support the management team at The Oakfield where you ll coordinate the front-of-house team and work closely with our talented chefs. With exciting plans for 2025 and beyond, there s never been a better time to join our team The Role As a key member of our Operational Events and Food & Beverage team, you ll support the management team through both operational and administrative tasks. Some of these tasks include: Maintaining and continually improving our exceptional standards to deliver a world-class experience for all visitors. Overseeing the smooth delivery of all events, including liaising with clients, guests, suppliers, and internal teams. Events range from meetings and conferences to weddings, dinner parties, and other unique occasions. Providing outstanding service at The Oakfield bar, restaurant, and events, including taking orders, serving food and drinks at tables, and processing payments efficiently. Training and mentoring team members to ensure they consistently deliver an exceptional guest experience. Leading event setups, ensuring they are completed on time and to a high standard, while maintaining excellent housekeeping in all event spaces. Managing bar responsibilities, such as accepting deliveries, recording wastage, performing line cleaning, rotating stock, and overseeing day-to-day bar operations across venues. Conducting regular stock takes, placing orders, and maintaining accurate stock levels to meet daily operational needs. Assisting with due diligence and compliance checks, ensuring team members adhere to policies, and contributing to the development of standard operating procedures and safe working practices. The Package You ll be working a variety of shifts, including days and evenings for events such as weddings and corporate functions. Contract hours are 40 hours per week, 5 days out of 7 on a rota basis including weekends and bank holidays. Please note that operational shifts will include leading event closes and general venue lock up duties. Permanent contract 25,109.15 per annum based on 40 hours per week 33 days annual leave (Based on 5 days per week) Annual holiday buy/sell scheme Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family Cycle to work scheme Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme 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 Experience of working in the events and/or hospitality industry Experience of training and mentoring a team in a high-volume business, preferably an events venue Excellent customer service skills Ability to think on your feet and adapt to a multitude of difference scenarios A keen eye for detail and passion for high standards Cash handling experience including balancing of safe/float/tills Good working knowledge of IT Excellent communication skills What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work? Well, where do we start? Here goes We re a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policy influencers; the list goes on. Each and every one of us is on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet a better place. As the UK s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there s always lots going on here. We re an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of nearly 500 permanent and 500 seasonal team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development. We have ambitious goals, and we want you to be with us for the long term on our exciting journey. Our working environment could not be more different from a typical place of work where else can you see critically endangered orangutans, rare giraffes and tigers on your lunch break? Please be aware that we reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the listed date if we have received a high level of applications. We recommend that if you do wish to be considered that you submit your application as promptly as possible as shortlisting and interviews may be taking place whilst the advert is live.