We are looking for an enthusiastic and dependable person to train as an artisan gelato maker within our independent gelato business in East Devon.
Previous gelato-making experience is not required. However, this is not a role for someone starting entirely from scratch.
You will need some existing knowledge of working safely and hygienically with food. This may have been gained through employment in a professional kitchen, bakery, café, catering business or food-production environment. It may also have come through a relevant college course, practical training, work experience or industry placements.
You might currently be working as a kitchen porter, kitchen assistant, commis chef, bakery assistant, pastry assistant or food-production operative and be ready for an opportunity to develop a specialist craft of your own.
Alternatively, you may have recently completed or currently be completing a catering, hospitality, bakery or food-related course and be looking for your first substantial role in the industry.
A lack of extensive commercial experience should not stop an exceptional candidate from applying. If you have completed relevant training or placements, understand professional kitchen hygiene and can demonstrate genuine enthusiasm, maturity and potential, we would be pleased to hear from you.
About the opportunity
Over time, you will be trained in every stage of artisan gelato production, including preparing ingredients, following recipes, operating specialist equipment, maintaining production records and contributing ideas for new flavours.
This is intended to be a long-term career opportunity rather than simply another entry-level kitchen job.
We are looking for someone who could develop a genuine passion for gelato, take increasing ownership of the production process and become a skilled, trusted and important member of the business.
About us
We are an established independent gelato business with ambitious plans for the future.
Over the last three years, we have built a reputation for distinctive, high-quality gelato, exciting flavours and consistently exacting standards.
We care deeply about the ingredients we use, the products we create and the quality of every batch that leaves our production kitchen.
As the business grows, this role has the potential to develop into a position with increasing responsibility for production, quality control, food safety, stock management and new-product development.
Future professional development may include specialist gelato training in the UK, attendance at trade events and, potentially, travel to Italy to visit suppliers, attend exhibitions and deepen your understanding of the craft.
Cleanliness and food safety are fundamental
Exceptional gelato can only be produced in an exceptionally clean, organised and food-safe environment.
A significant part of this role involves cleaning and sanitising equipment, utensils, surfaces and production areas. This is not a minor or occasional responsibility; it is an essential part of every production shift.
You must already understand the importance of professional kitchen hygiene and be prepared to maintain meticulous standards at all times.
You will not always be working under direct supervision. We therefore need someone who is responsible, methodical and capable of completing production and cleaning tasks properly without needing to be constantly checked.
The right person will take genuine pride in leaving the production kitchen spotless, organised and ready for the next batch.
What you will learn
Full training will be provided in:
- Producing artisan gelato and sorbet.
- Following recipes accurately and consistently.
- Weighing, measuring and preparing ingredients.
- Preparing bases, sauces, ripples and flavour inclusions.
- Operating and caring for specialist gelato machinery.
- Understanding temperature, texture and consistency.
- Cleaning and sanitising production equipment.
- Maintaining an immaculate and well-organised production kitchen.
- Following food-safety, allergen and HACCP-based procedures.
- Completing production, temperature and traceability records.
- Storing and rotating ingredients correctly.
- Monitoring stock levels, yields and waste.
- Planning production around demand and seasonal requirements.
- Testing and developing new flavours.
- Maintaining the quality and consistency of the existing range.
As your skills develop, you may also become involved in production planning, stock ordering, supplier relationships, quality control and the training of future team members.
Who we are looking for
You will need to be:
- Genuinely excited by food, flavour and the idea of learning a specialist craft.
- Familiar with the standards expected in a professional kitchen or food environment.
- Exceptionally clean, tidy and organised in your work.
- Reliable, punctual and able to take responsibility.
- Comfortable working independently once trained.
- Able to follow recipes, instructions and cleaning procedures precisely.
- Patient and methodical, with strong attention to detail.
- Interested in ingredients and creative flavour combinations.
- Willing to undertake thorough cleaning and preparation work during every shift.
- Keen to learn and receptive to constructive feedback.
- Looking for a long-term opportunity and meaningful career development.
- Proud of producing something to an exceptionally high standard.
You do not need to be a qualified chef, but you must already have some relevant practical knowledge.
Essential experience or training
Applicants should have at least one of the following:
- Experience working in a professional kitchen, bakery, café, catering business or food-production environment.
- A relevant catering, hospitality, bakery, pastry or food-production qualification.
- Practical experience gained through college placements, work experience or structured industry training.
You must also be able to demonstrate:
- A sound understanding of kitchen cleanliness and food hygiene.
- The ability to follow safe working practices.
- The maturity to work responsibly without constant supervision.
- A genuine interest in developing a career in artisan gelato production.
Desirable
- A Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene certificate or equivalent.
- Experience following commercial cleaning schedules.
- Experience completing temperature or food-safety records.
- Experience weighing ingredients or following production recipes.
- An interest in pastry, desserts, chocolate, baking or flavour development.
Applicants without a current food-hygiene certificate may still be considered where they have suitable practical experience or relevant college training and are willing to complete any required certification.
What we offer
- Full training in artisan gelato production.
- The opportunity to develop a specialist and valuable craft.
- A supportive alternative to the pressure and intensity of a traditional restaurant kitchen.
- A clean, organised and quality-focused working environment.
- Continuous learning and professional development.
- Genuine career progression as the business grows.
- Increasing responsibility for production, quality and product development.
- The opportunity to contribute ideas for new and seasonal flavours.
- Potential access to specialist courses, trade exhibitions and international learning opportunities.
- The chance to become a central part of an ambitious independent business.
Pay: £8.00-£13.45 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Flexitime
- Store discount
Application question(s):
- What kitchen, catering, college or food-production experience have you gained?
- What have you learned about cleanliness and food hygiene from that experience?
- Why are you interested in learning the craft of artisan gelato?
- What flavour would you love to turn into a gelato, and why?
- Where are you based?
- Do you have a full driving licence?
Work Location: In person
