Job Title: Café Kitchen Assistant
Reports To-Café Team Leader and Centre Operations Lead
Department- Kitchen
Contract-Part-Time (Approximately 70 hours per month). Permanent (subject to probation).
Working Pattern
- Every Tuesday: 8:30am – 4:30pm
- Every Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm
- Two Saturdays per month (2nd and 4th Saturday): 8:30am – 1:30pm
- Opportunities for additional hours may be available to cover annual leave, sickness and events.
Salary-National Minimum Wage / National Living Wage (depending on age and eligibility).
DBS required.
Purpose of the Role
The Café Kitchen Assistant will support the Café Team Leader with the day-to-day operation of the café kitchen, ensuring excellent customer service, high food hygiene standards and a clean, safe environment for customers and colleagues.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist with opening and closing the café and kitchen.
- Prepare food, drinks and light meals to company standards.
- Serve customers in a friendly, welcoming and professional manner.
- Prepare ingredients, including washing, chopping and portioning food.
- Ensure food is prepared and stored safely in accordance with food hygiene legislation.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout the kitchen, equipment and customer areas.
- Wash dishes and kitchen equipment as required.
- Receive deliveries and correctly store stock.
- Rotate stock and monitor stock levels, reporting shortages to the Café Team Lead.
- Follow all food safety, allergen and health & safety procedures.
- Help maintain an attractive, clean and welcoming café environment.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Demonstrate Ruby’s Fund values in all interactions with customers, families and colleagues.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties requested by the Café Team Lead or Centre Operations Lead.
Person Specification
Essential
- Previous experience working in a café, kitchen or hospitality environment.
- Good communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Good understanding of food hygiene and health & safety practices.
- Ability to work efficiently in a busy environment.
- Reliable, punctual and organised.
- Positive attitude with a willingness to learn.
Desirable
- Level 1 or Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
- At least one year’s experience working in a café or commercial kitchen.
- Experience handling food safely.
- Experience using a till or EPOS system.
- Friendly, reliable and positive — someone who enjoys working with families.
- Experience in café, hospitality, customer service or reception (preferred).
- Good time management and ability to follow day plans and tasks.
- Willingness to complete training provided (food hygiene, safeguarding, first aid).
- Comfortable working in a busy family-centred environment.
- Able to work flexibly and support occasional events.
What We Offer
- Friendly and supportive working environment
- Opportunity to work within a respected local charity.
- Training and development opportunities.
- The chance to make a real difference to children and families in the community.
Pay: £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Congleton CW12 1PG: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Experience:
- Café/Kitchen: 1 year (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
