The Role How would you like to work in one of our stunning Heritage venues? Including The Oakfield, an award‑winning British pub‑restaurant which won the Travellers’ Choice Award in 2024, ranking it in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide. Or The Square, our new, grandeur, award‑winning events venue. If this sounds like it might tickle your taste buds, apply now and join our fantastic team. Chester Zoo is a conservation zoo on a bold mission to prevent extinction. We are the UK’s most popular zoo and, as well as winning many awards, we welcome 2 million visitors a year through our gates. We focus on delivering memorable experiences for all our visitors and a key focus for this is our hospitality venues, which are so much more than you’d expect. We now have an exciting opportunity supporting the Sous Chef in our gastro pub ‘The Oakfield’. With our ambitious plans for this year, there couldn’t be a more exciting time to join us. As our new venue gets closer to opening, you’ll have the opportunity to develop as our team grows and make your mark from day one. All of our kitchens are led by our sustainable values. We work hard to source high‑quality, local and seasonal produce, and are making progress toward zero‑waste kitchens by 2030. We also partner with our suppliers to ensure only ethically sourced palm oil enters our kitchens. Our venues, all held within our 128‑acre site of stunning gardens, will jointly operate a turnover of £12.5 million. As a not‑for‑profit, everything we make is ploughed into conservation both here in the UK and around the world. Your role has a huge part to play in delivering our mission. Responsibilities Support the day‑to‑day preparation and production of food for the kitchen. Act as a buddy to seasonal team members to ensure effective and efficient work practice. Support the Chef de Partie in producing food to the highest standards which ensures Chester Zoo maintains its world‑class reputation. Adhere to health and hygiene policies, standard operating procedures and safe working practices including food safety systems and associated legislation (for example HACCP). Package You’ll be working a variety of shifts, across our core zoo opening hours as well as early mornings and evenings for events as required. You’ll work 40 hours per week, 5 days out of 7, and will be paid overtime for all agreed additional hours above this. Permanent 20‑hour contract £13,218.50 per annum based on 20 hours 33 days annual leave plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days Excellent training and career progression opportunities, including support with qualifications where necessary Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family Cycle‑to‑work scheme Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme Discounted gym membership Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high‑street shops and more via Perks Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9% Requirements Able to demonstrate understanding of food types and production methods A ‘can do’ and flexible attitude to work Good communication skills Quick learner, with ambition to progress Desired Qualifications (Optional) Previous chef experience is desirable; however, we will also consider people who are currently studying a catering or hospitality qualification and/or have a passion for the hospitality industry. Level 2 Food Safety qualification Customer service experience More About Working For Us We celebrate diversity and are building a workplace where everyone belongs and is included. We place utmost trust in all our employees and give you the encouragement to do great work. We expect a can‑do attitude, but we don’t expect you to do it alone – you’ll be supported every step of the way. You’ll be given the tools you need to do your job well and you’ll be offered further learning in areas where there’s a gap. As an international conservation charity, we’re focused on continuing to make a difference in conservation. We are Chester Zoo, and together we are creating a future where nature can survive and thrive. We reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the listed date if we have received a high level of applications. We recommend that if you do wish to be considered you submit your application as promptly as possible as shortlisting and interviews may be taking place whilst the advert is live. #J-18808-Ljbffr