The Cafe Chef is responsible for delivering high‑quality, consistent food in a fast‑paced café environment. This includes preparing menu items, maintaining kitchen standards, managing stock, and ensuring smooth service during busy periods. The chef works closely with the café manager and front‑of‑house team to create a welcoming, efficient, and food‑safe operation.
Key Responsibilities
- Food Preparation — Prepare all menu items to recipe, portion, and presentation standards, including breakfasts, light lunches, baked goods, and pre-theatre meals.
- Menu Execution — Deliver consistent quality during service, adapting to dietary requirements and customer requests.
- Kitchen Organisation — Maintain a clean, efficient workspace; manage prep lists; ensure equipment is used safely.
- Stock Management — Monitor stock levels, rotate ingredients, minimise waste, and support ordering.
- Food Safety Compliance — Follow all food hygiene regulations (HACCP), maintain cleaning schedules, and ensure proper storage and labelling.
- Team Collaboration — Communicate clearly with front‑of‑house staff to ensure smooth service and customer satisfaction.
- Specials & Creativity — Contribute ideas for seasonal dishes, baked items, and menu improvements.
- Equipment Care — Ensure all kitchen tools and appliances are cleaned, maintained, and used correctly.
Required Skills & Experience
- Professional Cooking Experience — Ideally 1–3 years in a café, bistro, or similar environment.
- Food Hygiene Certification — Level 2 Food Safety required; Level 3 desirable.
- Time Management — Ability to handle multiple orders and prep tasks during peak hours.
- Knife Skills — Confident with safe, efficient food preparation.
- Allergen Awareness — Strong understanding of UK allergen laws and safe handling.
- Calm Under Pressure — Able to maintain quality and focus during busy service periods.
- Teamwork — Works well with others and communicates clearly
Working Conditions
- Fast‑paced café kitchen environment
- Hours 9am-4pm (cafe) 5pm-8pm (pre-theatre)
- Weekend work on a rota
- Standing for long periods and lifting light to moderate loads
Performance Indicators
- Consistency of food quality
- Speed and accuracy during service
- Customer satisfaction and feedback
- Low waste and efficient stock use
- Cleanliness and hygiene audit results
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £13.00-£14.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Kitchen: 1 year (preferred)
Location:
- Livingston EH54 (preferred)
Work Location: In person
