Executive Head Chef

Compass Group UK; Dunstable; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a talented Head Chef to lead a dynamic culinary team at Whipsnade Zoo. This role offers the opportunity to create innovative menus using the finest ingredients while ensuring quality and safety standards are met. With a focus on work-life balance, you will inspire your team and drive sales through creative menu planning and promotions. Join a forward-thinking company committed to sustainability and excellence in hospitality, where your passion for food and leadership can shine.

Benefits

Free meals

Onsite free car parking

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programmes

Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness classes

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or similar role in a prestigious kitchen.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and direct food preparation and cooking.
• Ensure quality standards are maintained in food production.
• Implement food monitoring procedures for budget control.

Skills

Team Leadership

Food Safety Management

Menu Planning

Communication Skills

Presentation Skills

Organizational Skills

Job description

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that 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 at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbusters
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Unwind with free wellness, mindfulness, and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and family

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. We believe a balanced, plant-focused, natural, fresh, and sustainable menu will increase customer productivity and keep them motivated and happy 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 Culinary team, producing outstanding food using the finest and freshest ingredients in this highly prestigious unit.

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

More about the role:

• The Head Chef will plan, organize, and direct the preparation and cooking of food, ensuring that 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 centrally driven menu planning, promotions, and preferred suppliers.
• Responsible for all aspects of food safety, HS, and COSHH.
• The Head Chef will also implement and maintain food monitoring procedures to facilitate budget control and monitor all costs involved in the kitchen against budgets.

Who you are:

• Able to lead & manage a team in a calm, inspirational manner.
• 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.
• Demonstrates a passion for food.
• Team player.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• 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 strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to leading UK workplaces and in iconic cultural and heritage 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 to advance their careers. We celebrate diversity and aim to build a culture of respect, empowerment, and growth.