Chef de Partie

Chester Zoo; Chester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff family pass

Complimentary tickets for friends and家

Healthcare plan

Staff events access

Generous pension scheme

33 days annual leave

Job summary

Chester Zoo in the United Kingdom is seeking a Chef to support the Lead Chef and Sous Chef, preparing exceptional meals for visitors and events within our award-winning gastro-pub and other dining venues.

You will train Line Chefs, work with front-of-house to deliver excellent service, and ensure HACCP-compliant food preparation. The role requires flexibility for weekends and events, with a 40-hour week and overtime opportunities.

Qualifications

• Previous chef experience, preferably gained in a leading British Gastro-pub or events venue.
• Level 2 Food Safety qualification is required.
• A can-do and flexible attitude to work.
• Good communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Support the Lead Chef and Sous Chef in producing food to the highest standards.
• Train and mentor Line Chefs and Seasonal team members.
• Work collaboratively with the front of house team to ensure seamless delivery and world class service.
• Adhere to health and hygiene policies, SOPs, and food safety systems (HACCP).
• Manage stock levels, place orders, and ensure deliveries are correct and rotated.
• Work a rota including weekends and Bank Holidays, plus mornings/evenings for events.

Skills

Good communication skills

Flexible attitude

Education

Level 2 Food Safety qualification

Job description

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 Role

Food & Beverage at the zoo includes our award winning British gastro-pub The Oakfield, The Square, as well as three other restaurants, cafes, and coffee houses. Under the direction of our Sous Chef and Lead Chef you will be responsible for your own section, preparing exceptional meals for our many zoo visitors and members.

You will:

• Support the Lead Chef and Sous Chef in helping to produce food to the highest standards which ensures Chester Zoo maintains its world class reputation
• Train and mentor 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 and a world class customer service
• Adhere to health and hygiene policies, standard operating procedures and safe working practices including food safety systems and associated legislation (for example HACCP)
• Under direction from the Lead Chef, ensure correct stock levels on a day-to-day basis, place order requests to be processed and accept deliveries, ensuring they are correct and rotate stock as required
• You’ll be working a variety of shifts on a rota basis, including weekends and Bank Holidays, as well mornings and evenings for events as required.

What’s in it for you?

This role offers the opportunity to work within a unique venue setting, supporting our vibrant and varied events calendar. Alongside working core zoo opening hours, you’ll help deliver a number of evening events each year, from elegant weddings to high-profile corporate functions and seasonal late-night openings. Your contract hours are 40 per week, and you'll be paid overtime for all agreed overtime.

• Permanent contract
• £27,900 per annum
• Overtime available - this will be paid for agreed additional hours.
• 33 days annual leave
• Staff family pass - so you can visit the zoo during your time off
• Multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family.
• Access to healthcare plan
• Complimentary access to a variety of staff events and special experiences held throughout the year.
• Generous employer contributory pension scheme

Our Requirements

• Previous chef experience, preferably gained in a leading British Gastro-pub or events venue
• Able to demonstrate understanding of food types and production methods
• Level 2 Food Safety qualification
• A ‘can do’ and flexible attitude to work
• Good communication skills

Although not essential, the following would be desirable:

• Customer service experience

Please be aware we reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the listed date if we have received a high level of applications. We would recommend that if you do wish to be considered that you complete the application as promptly as possible