Sous Chef

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity to work as part of a growing team, in a unique environment at the UK’s number 1 zoo. As part of the Food and Beverage team, the Sous Chef will be responsible for the daily management of the Chef team working on Islands, our Asian inspired restaurant Manado’s. Our kitchens are led by sustainable values, sourcing high quality, local and seasonal produce, and progressing towards zero waste kitchens by 2030.

We collaborate with suppliers to ensure only ethically sourced palm oil enters our kitchens. The site covers 128 acres of gardens and operates a turnover of £12.5 million. As a not-for-profit, everything we make is ploughed into conservation both in the UK and around the world. Your role has a huge part to play in delivering our mission.

• Run the day-to-day operation of the fast-paced and exciting kitchens you are responsible for.
• Devise and deliver on-trend restaurant menus ahead of competition, ensuring all venues at Chester Zoo maintain a world-class reputation as a world-class visitor attraction.
• Produce food for customers of Chester Zoo’s restaurants and events to the highest standards to maximise profit and deliver a world-class experience.
• Train and mentor Lead Chefs and Chef de Parties, ensuring an effective and efficient work practice.
• Work collaboratively with the front of house team to ensure seamless delivery and world-class customer service.
• Lead health and hygiene policies and ensure compliance with policies, standard operating procedures and safe working practices, including HACCP and food safety systems.
• Train the team to manage stock day-to-day, place orders, accept deliveries, rotate stock, and ensure accuracy.
• Complete weekly staff rotas for your team in a timely fashion.
• Complete monthly stocktakes for your restaurant, achieving monthly GP% targets and ensuring adherence to Head Chef food specs.

• Demonstrable chef experience in a high-volume business, preferably within a leading British Gastro Pub
• Strong understanding of current gastro and event food trends
• Experience of leading a chef team
• Excellent communication with a passion for coaching and developing a team
• Excellent customer service and teamwork skills
• Desirable:
  Food Safety Level 3 qualification

• Permanent contract
• £35,497 per annum
• Overtime paid for agreed additional hours
• 33 days annual leave
• Staff family pass to visit the zoo during time off
• Multiple complimentary tickets for friends and family
• Access to healthcare plan
• Complimentary access to staff events and experiences throughout the year
• Employer contributory pension scheme

If you’re excited about joining us or would like an informal conversation with our Executive Head Chef to learn more, please send your CV to recruitment. We reserve the right to close vacancies earlier if a high volume of applications is received; please apply promptly as shortlisting and interviews may occur while the advert is live.