Executive Head Chef
| Posting date: | 03 December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | Competitive |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 02 January 2026 |
| Location: | Dunstable, LU6 2LF |
| Company: | Compass Group |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 204977 |
Summary
Job Title: Executive Head Chef
Location: Whipsnade Zoo
Salary: Up to £55,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time, 5 out of 7 days per week
As the Head Chef at Whipsnade Zoo, you will be joining this popular visitor attraction to lead and develop the culinary offering. This role will be responsible for the food offerings in the multi-outlet catering operation based on site, which consists of a mixture of grab & go kiosks and restaurants. This venue is predominantly retail food led, so an individual with experience of high volume and high-quality food delivery would be ideal for this role.
Success in this role means that visitors consistently enjoy the food sold across all outlets, with the kitchens running efficiently, safely, and profitably. The successful candidate will continue to build on the great relationship we already have with the client, to work with them on continuing to view the catering offer as a key part of the success of Whipsnade Zoo.
What We Offer:
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Competitive pension contribution offer
- Enhanced maternity/paternity pay
- Free staff meals whilst working on site
- Free staff parking
- A supportive, values-driven culture within cohesive teams
- Opportunities for growth and development within a national business
- A chance to make a meaningful impact in a continuously growing sector
Responsibilities:
- Menu Development & Innovation – Create and adapt menus that appeal to a broad visitor base, including family-friendly options, dietary requirements, and seasonal specials.
- Operational Excellence – Oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with food safety legislation, company policies, and contractual obligations.
- Leadership & Team Development – Recruit, train, and inspire a motivated kitchen team, fostering a positive and professional working culture.
- Cost Control & Profitability – Manage budgets, control wastage, and achieve GP targets without compromising quality.
- Collaboration – Work closely with front-of-house teams, site management, and the client to deliver a consistent and memorable food experience.
Event Catering Excellence – Plan, coordinate, and deliver high-quality catering for large-scale events, ensuring seamless execution and exceptional guest experiences.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Proven track record as a Head Chef in a high-volume, high-quality environment.
- Experience within visitor attractions and contract catering is highly desirable.
- Proven experience in large-scale and special event catering, with the ability to deliver high-quality food and service under pressure.
- Inspirational leader with the ability to build high-performing, motivated teams.
- Excellent organisational skills, especially during peak periods.
- Strategic thinker with vision for menu innovation and operational efficiency.
- Sound knowledge of food trends, allergens, and dietary requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to achieve financial targets while maintaining high quality.
- Good IT and Microsoft Office skills.
- Passionate about food and hospitality with a strong customer focus.
- Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
- Creative, commercially aware, and results driven.
- Enthusiastic about mentoring and developing future culinary leaders.
- Committed to sustainability and responsible sourcing.
About Us
Part of Compass Group UK&I, Restaurant Associates provides brilliant hospitality through our food, drink and services. We work with our partners and collaborate with our clients to achieve great things together. Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK\\'s leading workplace as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.
Job Reference: com/2111/93179001/52735478/R/SU #RA Venues
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!