Executive Head Chef

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

Job summary

Compass Group UK is seeking a talented and experienced Head Chef for their dining operations at Whipsnade Zoo. This role offers an opportunity to craft a sustainable and appealing menu while managing a dedicated team in a prestigious setting. Successful candidates will demonstrate leadership, innovation, and a passion for culinary excellence.

Benefits

Free meals

Onsite car parking

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programmes

Health care benefits

Travel discounts

Discounts on groceries

Cash rewards

Wellness and exercise classes

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head Chef or similar role
• Strong presentation skills and passion for food
• Good financial understanding and organizational skills

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the culinary team to produce outstanding food
• Plan and direct food preparation to maintain quality
• Implement and monitor food procedures to manage budgets

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Creativity

Culinary Skills

Time Management

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 for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com, and more
• Discounts on groceries 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 excellent food offer and have the autonomy to build and shape their team at Whipsnade Zoo.

What you'll be doing:

Head Chef - Whipsnade Zoo

Retail Restaurants / some C + E

Daytime shifts promote a good work-life balance

Our onsite food is crafted by passionate people using the best ingredients. We focus on a balanced, plant-focused, natural, fresh, and sustainable menu to boost productivity and keep customers motivated and happy at work.

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

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

If you're innovative and creative, seeking a role that offers both work-life balance and career development, we want to hear from you!

More about the role:

• Plan, organize, and direct food preparation and cooking to uphold our reputation for quality
• Take hands-on responsibility for food production
• Drive sales through menu planning, promotions, and preferred suppliers
• Ensure all aspects of food safety, HS, and COSHH are maintained
• Implement and monitor food procedures to manage budgets and control costs

Who you are:

• Able to lead and manage a team calmly and inspiringly
• An excellent, innovative chef with good presentation skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Energetic with a passion for excellence
• Forward-thinking to prevent wastage
• Passionate about food
• Team player
• Organized with good financial understanding

About Us:

Part of Compass Group UK&I, Restaurant Associates delivers exceptional hospitality through our food, drink, and services. We collaborate with partners and clients to achieve great results, providing employee dining and hospitality in leading UK workplaces and iconic 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 to grow. We celebrate diversity and aim to make all team members feel valued, empowered, and thriving.