Head Chef - Sustainable Menu Architect & Team Leader

Chester-Zoo; Chester; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff pass

Cycle to work

Healthcare cash plan

Discounts

Pension contributions

Job summary

Chester Zoo is seeking a creative and disciplined Head Chef to lead the Food & Beverage team, delivering high-quality menus across venues and events. You will source and develop offerings, train staff, and ensure compliance with safety and sustainability standards while driving revenue and margins.

The role reports to the Executive Head Chef, with a focus on award-winning venues and at-scale operations across the site.

Qualifications

• Significant chef experience at a senior level in a quality food environment.
• Proven ability to develop new products in line with market trends.
• Strong communication and leadership to inspire teams.

Responsibilities

• Source, select, develop and procure ingredients within ethical and sustainable guidelines.
• Collaborate with Executive Head Chef and Procurement Manager on new projects and training.
• Manage internal and external stakeholders to maximise value and meet KPIs.
• Lead the chef team to maximise performance and customer focus.
• Manage stock and yield to support margins and sales targets.
• Build internal and external networks to stay ahead of catering trends.
• Oversee day-to-day catering operations including food safety, HACCP, health & safety, and FIFO.

Skills

Senior chef experience

Menu development

Global food trends

Team training

Budgeting & forecasting

Health & hygiene

Job description

Chester Zoo is seeking a creative and disciplined Head Chef to lead the Food & Beverage team, delivering high-quality menus across venues and events. You will source and develop offerings, train staff, and ensure compliance with safety and sustainability standards while driving revenue and margins.

The role reports to the Executive Head Chef, with a focus on award-winning venues and at-scale operations across the site.