Executive Head Chef - Dunstable

ESS; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the hospitality sector is seeking an Executive Head Chef for Whipsnade Zoo. The ideal candidate will inspire a culinary team, focusing on high-quality, sustainable food offerings. Responsibilities include overseeing food preparation, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Join a dynamic environment that values creativity and teamwork.

Benefits

Free meals

Onsite free car parking

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programmes

Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Food shopping discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness classes

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head Chef in a similar environment.
• Ability to manage a team and ensure food quality.

Responsibilities

• Oversee food preparation and cooking, ensuring quality standards.
• Drive sales through menu planning and promotions.
• Manage supplier relationships and ensure food safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational Skills

Presentation Skills

Financial Understanding

Job description

Executive Head Chef - Dunstable

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Free meals
• Onsite free car parking
• Contributory pension scheme
• Career development programmes like Career Pathways and MyLearning
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com, and more
• Food shopping discounts at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, and others
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets
• Cash rewards on spending across various brands
• Free wellness, mindfulness, and exercise classes
• Share discounts and offers with friends and family

This role is perfect for a natural leader eager to inspire an exceptional food offering and build their own team at Whipsnade Zoo.

What you'll be doing:

Head Chef - Whipsnade Zoo

Retail Restaurants / some C + E

Daytime shifts offering a good work-life balance

Our onsite crafted food uses the best ingredients, with a focus on a balanced, plant-focused, natural, fresh, and sustainable menu to motivate and keep our customers happy.

We create inviting spaces and engaging environments that inspire and unite our customers.

We seek a talented, enthusiastic, and experienced Head Chef to lead our Culinary team, producing outstanding food with the finest ingredients in this prestigious setting.

More about the role:

The Head Chef will oversee food preparation and cooking, ensuring quality standards are met and company reputation is enhanced.

Responsibilities include hands-on food production, driving sales through menu planning and promotions, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring food safety standards including HS and COSHH compliance.

Additionally, the Head Chef will implement and maintain food monitoring procedures to control budgets and monitor kitchen costs.

Who you are:

• Ability to lead and manage a team calmly and inspiringly
• Innovative chef with excellent presentation skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Energetic and passionate about food
• Forward-thinker to prevent wastage
• Team player with excellent organizational skills
• Numerate and computer literate with financial understanding

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, Restaurant Associates delivers exceptional hospitality through food, drink, and services. We collaborate with partners and clients to achieve excellence, providing employee dining and hospitality in leading workplaces and cultural destinations.

Job Reference: com/2804/93179001/52735478/SU #RA Venues

We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves and has equal opportunities for career progression. We value diversity, believe it is our strength, and aim to create a culture of respect, empowerment, and belonging.