Executive Head Chef

Compass Group; Dunstable; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Head Chef to lead a passionate culinary team at a renowned zoo. This exciting role offers the opportunity to craft a sustainable, plant-focused menu that delights customers while promoting a healthy work-life balance. The ideal candidate will inspire their team, drive sales through innovative menu planning, and maintain the highest standards of food safety. With career development opportunities and a supportive environment, this position is perfect for those who are passionate about food and leadership.

Benefits

Free meals

Onsite free car parking

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Digital GP access

Exclusive travel discounts

Food shopping discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness and exercise classes

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in a high-volume kitchen environment.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the culinary team to deliver exceptional food quality.
• Plan and oversee food preparation while ensuring adherence to safety standards.

Skills

Team Leadership

Food Presentation Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Financial Understanding

Education

Culinary Arts Certification

Food Safety Certification

Job description

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

• Free meals
• Onsite free car parking
• Contributory pension scheme
• Career development through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access to a Digital GP and wider healthcare benefits for you and your immediate family
• 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 for your spending, redeemable 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 exceptional food offering and have the autonomy to build and shape their own team at Whipsnade Zoo.

What you'll be doing:

Head Chef - Whipsnade Zoo

Retail Restaurants / some C + E

Daytime shifts promoting a healthy work-life balance

Our onsite food is crafted by passionate people using the best ingredients, focusing on a balanced, plant-focused, natural, fresh, and sustainable menu to boost customer productivity and satisfaction.

We aim to provide excellent food, inviting spaces, and engaging environments that inspire, motivate, and unite our customers.

We are seeking a talented, enthusiastic, and experienced Head Chef to lead and inspire our culinary team, producing outstanding food with the finest and freshest ingredients in this prestigious setting.

If you are innovative and creative, this role offers both work-life balance and career development opportunities. We want to hear from you!

More about the role:

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

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

Driving sales through menu planning, promotions, and preferred supplier relationships.

Ensuring all aspects of food safety, HS, and COSHH are adhered to.

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

Who you are:

• Ability to lead and manage a team calmly and inspiringly
• An excellent and innovative chef with good presentation skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Energetic with a passion for excellence
• A forward-thinker who can minimize wastage
• Passionate about food
• A team player
• Organized with good management skills
• Numerate and computer literate, with an understanding of financial drivers

About Us:

Part of Compass Group UK&I, Restaurant Associates delivers excellent hospitality through our food, drink, and services. We collaborate with partners and clients to achieve great outcomes, striving for excellence in employee dining and hospitality at some of the UK's leading workplaces and cultural destinations.

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

At Compass Group UK&I, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can be their authentic selves and have equal opportunities to advance. We celebrate diversity and aim to build a culture of respect, empowerment, and growth for all team members.