Chester Zoo
Food & Beverage Supervisor - The Oakfield
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Food & Beverage Supervisor - The Oakfield
Food & Beverage Supervisor – The Oakfield, Chester Zoo
About the Role
Supporting our management team within The Oakfield pub-restaurant—as well as key events within The Square, our luxury events space—you will oversee the daily coordination of our Front of House team, collaborating closely with our Chef and Events teams to ensure exceptional guest experiences.
An inherent bonus? Within a live zoo, where giraffes and tigers are on -site (and sometimes visible during work). Our venue, recognised as Travellers’ Choice 2020 (Top 10% globally), literally makes weekends and breaks unforgettable.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Manage daily front-of-house operations (including rota planning, setup/close-down procedures, and complying with health and safety/food safety regulations)
- Oversee stock control and cash security—balancing safes, till floats.
- Act as a team performance agent—escalate to targets and guard operational compliance.
Team Coordination & Growth
- Train, coach, and motivate FOH staff to deliver outstanding guest experiences.
- Develop and sustain teamwork between House, Chef and Events departments.
Frontline Guest Service
- Serve customers across bar, restaurant and events spaces with the highest standards: order-taking, food/drink service, and payment processing.
- Represent world-class hospitality—including private events (weddings, corporate functions, etc.).
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Operational Cover & Delegation
- Act as deputised supervisor when the Food and Beverage Assistant Manager is absent.
Why Join Chester Zoo?
More than just a zoo: World-famous zoo, acclaimed conservation charity, and a vibrant employer of over 600 permanent plus 500 seasonal staff. We thrive on inclusivity, diversity and clear growth paths.
Our commitment integrates:
- dedicated learning & development paths,
- mentorship for career growth,
- and modern working—not static pages but real authentically impacted work
The Package
- 40 hours/week, 5-day rota basis (including weekends and bank holidays, and evening shifts for late openings/events).
Competitive Salary & Growth Potential
- Annual Salary: £27,500 per annum.
Work Flexibility & Wellbeing
- 33 days’ annual leave (32.5 days + 1 extra day)
- Optional annual holiday buy/sell scheme (extra trade or flexibility).
- Unlimited zoo entry via employee pass during your time off*.
- Friends/family complimentary tickets (book community access).
Healthcare & Security
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) (total wellbeing).
- Cash healthcare plan & generous company pension (up to 9% contribution).
Bonus Perks
- Chance to work in one of the UK’s top restaurants (2023 Edible East Midlands Sportsbook Locals’ Choice Winner), renowned for its wildlife-human collaboration.
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Our Requirements
Mandatory: (must have for the role)
- Experience leading teams in busy gastro-pubs or high-turnover restaurants.
- Proven ability to coordinate team activities and delegate tasks.
- Sharp customer service skills with a focus on exceptional guest experiences.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word etc).
- Cash-handling expertise (opening safes, balancing floats & till solutions).
- Up-to-date knowledge of health & safety protocols, risk-assessments, and food safety compliance.
Desirable: (preferred)
- Event-facing background (handling corporates, weddings, or large parties).
About Chester Zoo
[We are] a leading charitable authority on wildlife conservation—dedicated to preventing extinction and Global species revival. Never has there been a more urgent time for wildlife work than now. Chester Zoo sits at the heart of that.
Want headlines? The zoo offers 97,000 library books & an African inspiration playground alone, but conservation—it’s a mission YOU Matter to.
Application Notes
- Shortlisting ongoing: early applications encouraged, as the role closes once offered.
Are you next? Consider yourself invited… here, to prevent extinction. 🦒🔍
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