Head Culinary Specialist

4 weeks ago


Chester, Cheshire, United Kingdom Chester Zoo Full time

Imagine being part of a prestigious British pub-restaurant recognized for its excellence, placing it among the top dining establishments globally.

Our kitchens are guided by sustainable principles. We are committed to sourcing high-quality, local, and seasonal ingredients, striving towards zero waste kitchens by 2030. We collaborate with our suppliers to ensure that only ethically sourced palm oil is utilized in our culinary practices.

Our venues, situated within a breathtaking 128-acre garden, collectively generate a significant turnover, with all profits reinvested into conservation efforts both domestically and internationally. Your contribution will be vital in fulfilling our mission.

Position Overview

The Food & Beverage sector at our organization encompasses several dining options, including The Oakfield and The Square, along with additional restaurants, cafes, and coffee houses. You will play a key role in assisting the Sous Chef and Head Chef at The Oakfield, ensuring the kitchen maintains its commitment to fresh, quality ingredients while adhering to our sustainable values. Flexibility to work across various outlets will be essential. While your primary base will be The Oakfield, opportunities may arise to engage with other Food & Beverage venues.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Assisting in the daily operations of the kitchen, stepping in for the Sous Chef when necessary, and serving as the primary contact for service recovery.
  • Collaborating with the Sous Chef to create and implement contemporary restaurant, gastro pub, and event menus that keep us ahead of the competition, ensuring all venues uphold their esteemed reputation.
  • Preparing dishes for patrons of our restaurants and events to the highest standards, maximizing profitability while delivering exceptional experiences.
  • Training and mentoring Chef de Parties, Line Chefs, and seasonal staff to promote effective and efficient work practices.
  • Working in tandem with the front-of-house team to guarantee seamless service delivery.
  • Ensuring compliance with health and hygiene standards, standard operating procedures, and safe working practices, including food safety systems and relevant legislation.
  • Managing stock levels daily, placing orders with the Sous Chef, and overseeing deliveries to ensure accuracy and proper stock rotation.

Compensation and Benefits

This role involves a variety of shifts, including early mornings and evenings for events, in alignment with our operational hours.

  • Permanent employment contract
  • Annual salary of £28,612.83 based on a 40-hour workweek
  • 33 days of annual leave
  • Annual holiday buy/sell scheme
  • Staff pass for personal visits, along with complimentary tickets for friends and family
  • Cycle to work initiative
  • Healthcare coverage
  • Discounted gym memberships
  • Exclusive discounts on cinema tickets, dining, retail, and more through our perks program
  • Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9%

Candidate Requirements

  • Proven experience in culinary roles within high-volume environments, including hotels, venues, restaurants, pubs, and catering services.
  • Ability to demonstrate knowledge of current culinary trends in restaurants and events.
  • Exceptional customer service abilities.
  • Experience in stock management.
  • Minimum Level 2 Food Safety certification.
  • Understanding of COSHH regulations and their application in the workplace.
  • Strong communication and coaching skills.

Our Commitment to You

We embrace diversity and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. We trust our employees and encourage them to excel in their roles.

We seek a proactive attitude, but you will not be alone in your journey - support will be provided at every step. You will have access to the necessary tools to perform your job effectively, along with opportunities for further learning in areas where you seek growth.

As an international conservation charity, we are focused on making a meaningful impact in conservation efforts. Together, we are creating a future where nature can thrive.


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