Job Description

Line Chef

We have an exciting opportunity for a Line Chef to join our team. You will be supporting the Sous Chef & Chef De Partie in Junes restaurant.

Chester Zoo is a conservation zoo on a bold mission to prevent extinction. We are UK's most popular zoo and as well as winning lots of 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.



All of our kitchens are led by our sustainable values. We work hard to source high quality, local and seasonal produce, are making progress towards 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.

The Role

Food & Beverage at the zoo includes, The Oakfield, Chester Zoo's award winning Gastro-pub venue and our new event venue 'The Square' as well as three other restaurants, cafes, and coffee houses, You will support the Chef de Partie in making sure the department is driving a fresh, quality ingredients culture whilst meeting our sustainable values and helping achieve continual revenue growth.



You will:

Support in the day-to-day preparation and production of food for your kitchen Act as a buddy to Seasonal team members to ensure effective and efficient work practice Support the Chef de Partie in helping to produce 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)

The 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 contract 25,862 per annum based on 40 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%

Our 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

Although not essential, the following would be desirable

Previous chef experience is desirable; however, we will also consider people who are currently studying a catering 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 we're building a workplace where everyone belongs, and everyone 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 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.

Shortlist will take place while the advert is live and the ad will close when a suitable candidate is found. We recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.