Lead Chef

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.The RoleWe have a number of roles available across our Food and Beverage outlets. These include: our Heritage venues - The Oakfield our gastro pub and The Square our events venue, as well as Junes Food Court where we have a burger counter, fish and chip counter and a Pizza section with a Pizza oven. There are also three other outlets around site that you may be required to support in. You will be directly responsible for supporting the Sous Chef and Head Chef in 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 recoveryProduce food for customers of our restaurants and events to the highest standards in order to maximise profit and deliver a world class experiencesTrain and mentor Chef de Parties, Line Chefs and Seasonal team members to ensure effective and efficient work practiceWork collaboratively with the front of house team to ensure seamless deliveryAdhere 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 requiredThe PackageYoull 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 week33 days annual leaveAnnual holiday buy/sell schemeStaff 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 familyCycle to work schemeHealthcare planDiscounted gym membershipDiscounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via PerksPension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9%Our RequirementsDemonstrable experience of chef skills in a high-volume business, including hotels, venues, restaurants, pubs and contract cateringAble to demonstrate understanding of current restaurant and event food trendsExcellent customer service skillsStock handling experienceMinimum Level 2 Food SafetyGood COSHH understanding and workplace applicationGood communication and coaching skillsDesirable but not essential:Experience working in a gastro pub or events settingMore about working for usWe celebrate diversity and were 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 dont expect you to do it alone - youll be supported every step of the way. Youll be given the tools you need to do your job well, and youll be offered further learning in areas theres a gap. As an international conservation charity, were 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.
Shortlisting 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.
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