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Job description

The Cook will support the day-to-day running of the kitchen at The Pop-In Community Café, preparing and serving fresh, good-quality homemade food in a busy community café environment. The role includes food preparation and cooking, maintaining high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness, completing kitchen and delivery records, monitoring stock and reducing food waste. The Cook will work closely with the wider café team to ensure an efficient service and a welcoming experience for customers. As The Pop-In is an inclusive social enterprise and training environment, the Cook will also work alongside and support volunteers, trainees and neurodivergent young people and adults to develop confidence, independence and practical workplace skills. We are looking for someone who is reliable, organised, able to work independently and as part of a team, and comfortable working in a busy kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present meals, breakfasts, lunches, daily specials, soups, traybakes and other café menu items to a consistent standard.
• Complete daily food preparation and ensure the kitchen is ready for service.
• Manage orders efficiently during busy service periods and work closely with front-of-house staff.
• Follow all food hygiene, allergen, food safety and Natasha’s Law requirements.
• Complete required kitchen records, including temperature checks, cleaning records, opening/closing checks and food safety documentation.
• Ensure food is correctly labelled, dated, stored and rotated using FIFO procedures.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout the kitchen, food preparation areas, equipment and associated storage areas.
• Complete kitchen opening and closing duties and ensure the kitchen is left clean, organised and ready for the next service.
• Monitor stock levels, identify items requiring replenishment and communicate ordering requirements to the Café Supervisor/Manager
• Follow health and safety procedures and report equipment faults, hazards or food safety concerns promptly.
• Work collaboratively with café staff to provide a friendly, efficient and professional customer experience.
• Undertake other reasonable kitchen and café duties appropriate to the role.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Previous experience working in a kitchen, café, restaurant, catering or similar food-service environment.
• Experience preparing and cooking a range of fresh meals and food to a consistent standard.
• Understanding of food hygiene, food safety and allergen management.
• Ability to work confidently and efficiently during busy service periods.
• Organisational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritise preparation and customer orders.
• An understanding of portion control, stock rotation and reducing food waste
• Punctual and able to take responsibility for completing assigned duties.
• Flexibility to undertake different duties as required within a small, busy community café.
• Ability to follow food safety procedures and accurately complete required kitchen records
• Essential qualification: Level 2 Food Safety/Food Hygiene Certificate, or willingness to complete this immediately upon appointment

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge of menu planning, portion costing and food cost control.
• Knowledge of dietary requirements, allergens and adapting meals for different dietary needs, including gluten-free options.
• Ability to support trainees to develop practical kitchen, employability and independent working skills.
• An understanding of autism, neurodiversity and inclusive working practices
• First Aid, Health & Safety, Allergen Awareness or other relevant training.

Further Information

The Pop-In Community Café is an inclusive social enterprise providing good-quality, affordable food while creating meaningful training, volunteering and employment opportunities within the local community. This is more than a traditional cook’s position. The successful applicant will be part of a supportive team and will work alongside staff, volunteers and trainees, including neurodivergent young people and adults developing their confidence, independence and employability skills. We are therefore looking for someone who is not only confident in the kitchen but who is patient, approachable, dependable and supportive of our social purpose. The role requires flexibility to meet the needs of the café, including supporting busy periods, special events and outside catering where required. The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to maintaining high standards across the kitchen and work collaboratively with the Café Supervisor/Manager and wider team. Relevant training and ongoing support will be provided. Opportunities for further professional development may also be available. As the role may involve working alongside children, young people and adults who require additional support, appointment will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including AccessNI where applicable, satisfactory references and proof of eligibility to work in the UK. The Pop-In is committed to equality, inclusion and creating opportunities for people who may experience barriers to employment. We welcome applications from people who share these values and can contribute positively to an inclusive workplace.