Chef Manager – Community Café
Are you an experienced Chef looking to escape the gruelling hours of commercial kitchens? The Guild for Lifelong Learning in Wilmslow is looking for a talented, autonomous Chef Manager to run our vibrant community café.
Operating during term-time with a highly desirable 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Friday schedule, this role offers an ideal work-life balance. It is perfectly suited for a skilled professional who wants to maintain their culinary passion while enjoying school holidays, evenings, and weekends off.
- Location: Wilmslow, Cheshire (SK9)
- Hourly Rate: £16.00 per hour
- Hours: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm, Monday to Friday (25 hours per week)
- Contract: Term-time only (39 weeks per year)
- Benefits: NEST Pension Scheme, no evening or weekend work, supportive community environment
The Role
As our Chef Manager, you will take full responsibility of our small, welcoming kitchen. You will be responsible for preparing wholesome, delicious lunchtime meals and a daily selection of fresh bakes for our adult learners, staff, and members of the public.
Key Responsibilities:
- Culinary Execution: Planning and preparing high-quality, fresh lunchtime dishes and home-style baking.
- Kitchen Management: Managing stock control, ordering, and minimising food waste to keep the café cost-effective.
- Hygiene & Safety: Maintaining a clean kitchen, ensuring strict adherence to Safer Food, Better Business (SFBB) standards to retain our excellent grade 5 food hygiene rating.
- Customer Interaction: Welcoming everyone with a friendly, approachable attitude.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone who can work independently and maintain the highest standards.
- Proven experience as a Chef, Head Cook, or Catering Manager.
- Qualified chef (Level 2 is essential; Level 3 is desirable) with a love for cakes, scones, and traybakes.
- Strong knowledge of food hygiene regulations (Level 2 Food Safety is essential; Level 3 is desirable).
- A self-starter who is highly organised and comfortable working independently.
- A warm, community-minded personality who fits perfectly into an educational and adult learning environment.
Why Join Us?
The Guild for Lifelong Learning is more than just a workplace; it is an adult education centre dedicated to community enrichment. In return for your skills and dedication, we offer:
- £16.00/hr
- NEST Pension Scheme
- Family Friendly hours: Predictable daytime shifts with zero evenings, weekends, or bank holidays.
How to Apply
If you are ready for a rewarding, community-focused role with unparalleled hours, we want to hear from you.
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience to
Closing Date: 17 July 2026
Interviews: 24 July 2026
Expected Start Date: 7 September 2026
The Guild for Lifelong Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our community. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Pay: £16.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
