Head Chef: Creative Menus, Sustainability & Team Leadership

Chester Zoo; Chester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff pass

Cycle to work

Healthcare plan

Annual leave 33 days

Pension up to 9%

Discounts and perks

Training & development

Job summary

Chester Zoo is recruiting a Head Chef to lead the Food & Beverage team. You will create menus, develop concepts for The Square and The Oakfield, and drive quality across the site while aligning with conservation storytelling on guests’ plates.

You will manage procurement, training, and supplier relationships to maximise value, margins and guest satisfaction, while upholding food safety and sustainability principles.

Qualifications

• Significant chef experience at senior level within a quality food environment.
• Experience developing new products aligned with current market trends.
• Clear communication at different levels and ability to gain buy-in.
• Experience training and developing teams in a multi-unit environment.
• Minimum intermediate health and hygiene certificate; advanced certificate preferred.
• Budgeting, forecasting and setting targets.

Responsibilities

• Source, select, develop and procure suitable food products within ethical and sustainable guidelines.
• Collaborate with Executive Head Chef and Procurement Manager on new projects to exceed customer expectations and KPI targets.
• Manage internal and external stakeholders; ensure best value from suppliers to meet departmental KPIs.
• Lead the Chef team to optimise performance and keep customers as a priority.
• Manage stock to ensure yield and delivery of margins.
• Build networks to stay ahead of catering trends and maintain industry leadership.
• Support day-to-day catering operations including HACCP, health and safety and stock systems.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Forecasting

Communication

Team development

Analytical

Food trends

Commercial awareness

Multi-unit management

Education

Intermediate health hygiene certificate

Advanced hygiene certificate

Job description

Chester Zoo is recruiting a Head Chef to lead the Food & Beverage team. You will create menus, develop concepts for The Square and The Oakfield, and drive quality across the site while aligning with conservation storytelling on guests’ plates.

You will manage procurement, training, and supplier relationships to maximise value, margins and guest satisfaction, while upholding food safety and sustainability principles.