Job Role: Catering Lead
About Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone:
Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone is a 21st century youth hub located at the heart of Blackburn and a dedicated site in Darwen, open to young people aged 5 to 25 years old, aiming to change the prospects offered to young people in the area. Our vision is to be at the heart of the community, collaborating to create a more cohesive and prosperous Blackburn and Darwen.
We are one of the leading youth organisations in Blackburn, with a membership of over 2,500 young people. We are open 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year and offer over 40 different activities and opportunities in our open access youth club.
Context of Role:
The Catering Lead at Blackburn Youth Zone plays a crucial role in creating a positive and engaging environment for young people within the community. The context of the role is centred around providing nutritious and appealing meals to the youth who access the facilities of the Blackburn Youth Zone. This position involves overseeing the entire catering operation, ensuring that the meals meet high-quality standards, adhere to health and safety regulations and contributes to the overall mission of Blackburn Youth Zone by actively engaging with young members and understanding their preferences, dietary needs, and cultural considerations.
Responsibilities:
- Develop diverse and balanced menus that cater to the nutritional needs and preferences of our young people across both sites.
- Oversee the day-to-day food preparation and cooking activities in the kitchen.
- Ensure that all meals are prepared with high-quality ingredients and adhere to food safety standards.
- Lead and motivate kitchen staff, providing guidance and training as necessary.
- Monitor staff performance, ensuring efficient and effective operation of the kitchen.
- Maintain accurate records of food inventory and order supplies as needed.
- Implement cost-effective measures to manage expenses and reduce waste.
- Conduct regular quality control checks to ensure that all meals meet established standards.
- Address any issues related to food quality promptly and efficiently.
- Implement and enforce health and safety procedures in the kitchen.
- Ensure all kitchen equipment is regularly cleaned, reporting any faults/repairs required.
- Ensure all Health & Safety and Environmental Health requirements are adhered to:
- Reporting of all equipment not working properly
- Reporting of any health & safety issues
- Compliance with food hygiene regulations
- Ensure food is stored correctly and at correct temperatures
- Recording of all high risk food temperatures on delivery and prior to service, if applicable
- Ensure compliance with relevant food safety regulations and standards.
- Cash handling and the subsequent financial administration in line with Blackburn Youth Zone financial procedures.
- Maintain a clean working environment as set out in the cleaning schedule by ensuring regular cleaning of all work surfaces, storerooms and ancillary areas.
- Work closely with Youth Zone staff to understand the preferences and dietary needs of young members.
- Foster a positive and welcoming dining environment.
- Coordinate and cater for special events and functions hosted at Blackburn Youth Zone.
- Collaborate with event organisers to plan menus and ensure successful execution.
- Assist in budget planning and monitor expenditures related to catering operations.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising on food quality.
General Requirements
- Always seek to continuously improve so that the highest quality standards are achieved
- Participate positively in internal/external meetings and training as required
- Positively participate in one to ones and appraisals
- Ensure that all relevant policies, procedures and working practices are adhered to at all times
- Work in accordance with Blackburn Youth Zone’s culture, values, aims and objectives
- Act as a positive ambassador for BYZ at all times
- Positively contribute to Blackburn Youth Zone’s team working environment, taking ownership of issues and supporting colleagues where appropriate
- Be flexible and willing to undertake any other duties that may be reasonably be required
Measurable Outputs (specifics to be determined by the annual business plan):
- Maintain the kitchen's 5 star food rating certificate.
- On time service for all food provided at Blackburn Youth Zone and Darwen Youth Zone.
- Feedback through young people's consultation.
Person Specification:
Education/Training/Qualifications
- Five GCSEs or equivalent at Grade C or above. (Essential)
- NVQ Level 3 catering or other recognised catering qualifications are desirable, as is advanced Food Hygiene Certificate.
- First Aid (Essential)
Experience
Experience of working with young people ages 5 to 25.
- 2 years managerial experience in a catering setting.
- Experience of leading and managing teams in a team leader or supervisory role.
Skills/Abilities
- Experience in a catering environment.
- Knowledge of Health & Safety and Environmental Health Issue.
- Ability to build strong relationships with young people.
- Calm under pressure and with a positive “can do” attitude.
- Willing to work evenings and weekends.
- Flexible to meet the needs of the business. 26500-31500
Working hours
This role is a full time role working 30 - 37.5 hours per week which requires a flexible working pattern and you will be expected to work evenings and weekends. You will also be expected to travel to different venues/locations.
Remuneration package
Salary: Up to £26,500 - 31,500 (depending on experience)
Holidays: 33 days (pro rata for part time) days inclusive of 8 Bank Holidays
Pension: Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone operates a workplace pension scheme with Royal London for auto-enrolment purposes. You will contribute 5% of your gross earnings whilst the Youth Zone will contribute 3%. If you meet the criteria you will be auto-enrolled into the scheme within 3 months of commencement of your employment although you have the option to opt-out if you so wish.
Other Benefits
- Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 Support and Advice
- FairQuid (Financial Wellbeing Support)
- Think Therapy (Mental Health Support)
- Enhanced Maternity/Paternity/Adoption Pay
- Birthday leave
Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups. This post is subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records through an enhanced DBS check and completion of appropriate vetting checks. We promote safer working practice across our Youth Zone and all successful employees and volunteers will be expected to share this commitment.
The Youth Zone welcomes applicants from all sectors of the community.
Application Process
Please email an expression of interest, no longer then 2 pages long to [email protected], setting out your experience reasons for applying for this position.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £26,500.00-£31,500.00 per year
Work Location: In person
