Chef de Partie

Chester Zoo; Chester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

Staff family pass

Complimentary staff tickets

Healthcare plan

Pension scheme

Overtime paid

Job summary

Chester Zoo is seeking a Chef de Partie to join our food & beverage venues on a permanent contract. You will work under the Lead Chef and Sous Chef, preparing exceptional meals for visitors and members across our gastro-pub and other dining outlets.

The role involves training junior chefs, maintaining high hygiene standards, and collaborating with front-of-house teams to deliver world-class service. You’ll contribute to a busy events calendar, including evenings and weekend duties, with 40 hours

Qualifications

• Previous chef experience in a gastro-pub or events venue.
• Understanding of food types and production methods.
• Level 2 Food Safety qualification.
• A 'can do' and flexible attitude to work.
• Good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals to high standards for zoo visitors and events.
• Train and mentor Line Chefs and Seasonal team members.
• Collaborate with front of house to ensure stellar service.
• Adhere to HACCP and health and hygiene policies.
• Manage stock levels, orders, and deliveries; rotate stock daily.
• Work a rota including weekends and Bank Holidays.

Skills

Chef experience

Food safety

Communication skills

Flexible attitude

Education

Food Safety Level 2

Job description

Chef de Partie

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

Want more info?

As part of our selection process, we’d be delighted to invite you to meet the team, explore our kitchen, and gain a real insight into what a typical day in this role looks like. It’s a great opportunity to experience our working environment first‑hand and see how your skills could contribute to our mission. If you’re excited about joining us or would like an informal conversation with Ben Finchett our Executive Head Chef to learn more, we’d love to hear from you.

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