Executive Head Chef

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; Dunstable; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality group in the UK is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead culinary operations at Whipsnade Zoo. The ideal candidate will manage food preparation, ensure quality, and inspire their team with innovative cooking strategies. This role offers opportunities for career development and a great work-life balance, with daytime shifts. The successful candidate will be a passionate team player, organized, and committed to exceptional food service.

Benefits

Free meals

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programmes

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head Chef or in a similar senior kitchen role.
• Strong understanding of food safety and kitchen compliance.
• Ability to manage and inspire a team in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organise, and oversee food preparation and cooking.
• Drive sales through menu planning and promotions.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and health standards.

Skills

Leadership

Innovative cooking

Communication

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Job description

We ensure you're rewarded for your hard work with a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to:

• Free meals
• Onsite free car parking
• Contributory pension scheme
• Career development programmes like Career Pathways and MyLearning
• Quick access to a Digital GP and wider healthcare benefits for you and your family
• 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 is a fantastic role for a natural leader to inspire an excellent food offer and have the autonomy to build and mould their own team at Whipsnade Zoo.

What you'll be doing:

Head Chef - Whipsnade Zoo

Retail Restaurants / some C + E

Daytime shifts for a good work-life balance

Our food is crafted onsite by passionate people using the best ingredients. We believe a balanced, plant-focused, natural, fresh, and sustainable menu boosts productivity and keeps our customers motivated and happy at work.

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

We are looking for a talented, enthusiastic, and experienced Head Chef to lead our Culinary team, producing outstanding food with the finest and freshest ingredients in this highly prestigious unit.

If you are innovative and creative, this Head Chef role offers work-life balance and career development opportunities — we want to hear from you!

More about the role:

The Head Chef will plan, organise, and oversee food preparation and cooking, ensuring the company's reputation for quality is maintained with customers and clients at all times.

Taking responsibility for food production with a hands-on approach.

Driving sales through menu planning, promotions, and preferred suppliers.

Ensuring all aspects of food safety, HS, and COSHH compliance.

Implementing and maintaining food monitoring procedures to control budgets and monitor kitchen costs against targets.

Who you are:

• Capable of leading and managing a team calmly and inspiringly
• An excellent and innovative chef with good presentation skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Energetic with a passion for doing a great job
• A forward-thinker who can prevent wastage
• Passionate about food
• Team player
• Organised and efficient
• Numerate and computer literate with an understanding of financial drivers

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, Restaurant Associates provides excellent hospitality through our food, drink, and services. We collaborate with partners and clients to achieve great results. Our passionate teams deliver employee dining and hospitality in some of the UK's leading workplaces and iconic cultural destinations.

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

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves and has equal opportunities for career advancement. We celebrate diversity and aim to create a culture where all team members feel valued, empowered, and able to reach their full potential.