Executive Head Chef

Compass Group UK; Dunstable; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in Dunstable seeks an experienced Head Chef for Whipsnade Zoo. The role involves developing culinary offerings, ensuring operational excellence, and leading the kitchen team. Ideal candidates will have experience in high-volume environments and a passion for food. Competitive salary and a range of benefits are offered.

Benefits

Free meals

Onsite free car parking

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards for spending

Wellness classes

Qualifications

• Proven track record as a Head Chef in a high-volume environment.
• Experience within visitor attractions is highly desirable.
• Sound knowledge of food trends and dietary requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve financial targets while maintaining quality.
• Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Create and adapt menus for a broad visitor base.
• Oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with food safety.
• Recruit, train, and inspire a motivated kitchen team.
• Manage budgets and control wastage.
• Collaborate with front-of-house teams and site management.
• Experience in large scale event catering.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Customer focus

Creativity

Financial management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Head Chef
Location: Whipsnade Zoo
Salary: Up to £55,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time, 5 out of 7 days per week

As the Head Chef at Whipsnade Zoo, you will be joining this popular visitor attraction to lead and develop the culinary offering. This role will be responsible for the food offerings in the multi‑outlet catering operation based on site, which consists of a mixture of grab & go kiosks and restaurants. This venue is predominantly retail food‑led, so an individual with experience of high‑volume and high‑quality food delivery would be ideal for this role. Success in this role means that visitors consistently enjoy food sold across all outlets, with the kitchens running efficiently, safely, and profitably. The successful candidate will continue to build on the great relationship we already have with the client, to work with them on continuing to view the catering offer as a key part of the success of Whipsnade Zoo.

Responsibilities

• Menu Development & Innovation – Create and adapt menus that appeal to a broad visitor base, including family‑friendly options, dietary requirements, and seasonal specials.
• Operational Excellence – Oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with food safety legislation, company policies, and contractual obligations.
• Leadership & Team Development – Recruit, train, and inspire a motivated kitchen team, fostering a positive and professional working culture.
• Cost Control & Profitability – Manage budgets, control wastage, and achieve GP targets without compromising quality.
• Collaboration – Work closely with front‑of‑house teams, site management, and the client to deliver a consistent and memorable food experience.
• Event Catering – Experience in large scale eventing.

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven track record as a Head Chef in a high‑volume, high‑quality environment.
• Experience within visitor attractions and contract catering is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to lead by example.
• Excellent organisational skills, especially during peak periods.
• Sound knowledge of food trends, allergens, and dietary requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve financial targets while maintaining high quality.
• Good IT and Microsoft Office skills.
• Passionate about food and hospitality with a strong customer focus.
• Adaptable and resilient in a fast‑paced, ever‑changing environment.
• Creative, commercially aware, and results driven.
• Committed to sustainability and responsible sourcing.

Benefits

• 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

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/1410/93179001/52735478/R/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!