Executive Head Chef

Compass Group; Dunstable; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

As a Head Chef at Whipsnade Zoo, you will inspire a culinary team and deliver exciting food offerings. This role demands creativity, excellent management skills, and a passion for food to ensure high-quality culinary experiences in a prestigious setting.

Benefits

Free meals

Onsite free car parking

Contributory pension scheme

Health benefits and Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Discounts at major supermarkets

Cash rewards program

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in a high-volume environment.
• Strong culinary and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage and motivate a team.

Responsibilities

• Direct preparation and cooking of food to enhance quality and reputation.
• Plan menu and manage food cost against budget.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Innovation

Teamwork

Culinary Skills

Job description

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Free meals
• Onsite free car parking
• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• 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 many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

This is a fantastic role for a natural leader to inspire an amazing 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 = Good Work Life Balance

Our food is crafted onsite by passionate people using the best ingredients and we know that a balanced, plant focused, natural, fresh and sustainable menu will increase the productivity of our customers and keep them motivated and happy whilst at work.

We provide amazing food, create inviting spaces, and develop engaging environments that inspire, motivate and unite our customers.

We are looking for a talented, enthusiastic and experienced Head Chef to lead and inspire our Culinaryteam, to produce outstanding food using the finest and freshest ingredients in this highly prestigious unit.

If you are innovative and creative Head Chef role which can offer both work life balance and career development - we want to hear from you!

More about the role:

The Head Chef will plan, organise and direct the preparation and cooking of food ensuring that the company's reputation for quality is enhanced with customers and clients at all times

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

Driving sales through centrally driven menu planning and promotions and preferred suppliers

Responsible for all aspects of food safety, HS and COSHH

The Head Chef will also be required to implement and maintain food monitoring procedures to facilitate budgetary control and to monitor all costs involved in the kitchen against agreed budgets.

Who you are:

• Able to lead & manage a teamin a calm, inspirational manner
• Excellent and Innovative Chef with good presentation skills
• Excellent Communication and Interpersonal skills
• Energetic with a passion to do a great job
• A forward-thinker who can prevent wastage
• Demonstrates a passion for food
• Team Player
• Excellent organisation skills
• Numerate and computer literate with an understanding of financial drivers

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, Restaurant Associates provides brilliant hospitality through our food, drink and services. We work with our partners and collaborate with our clients to achieve great things together.Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK's leading workplace as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.

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

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!