Café Chef

Manpower UK; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 19,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Manpower UK is recruiting a Café Chef for a busy open‑plan café in Oxford City Centre. You will prepare and cook breakfast and lunch dishes, maintain high food quality and presentation, and deliver an exceptional customer experience in a friendly team environment.

The role is 30 hours per week with a salary of £14.51 per hour (about £22,630 per year). Weekend work may be required to meet business needs, and travel to the city centre by public transport is expected as there is no on‑site parking.

Qualifications

• Previous experience within a café, hospitality, catering, or kitchen environment.
• A genuine passion for food, cooking, and customer service.
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene, allergens, and health & safety legislation.
• Food Hygiene Certificate.
• City & Guilds 706/2, NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent), or relevant industry experience.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage workload effectively.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook breakfast and lunch dishes to a consistently high standard.
• Take ownership of the daily operation of the café kitchen.
• Ensure food quality, presentation, and service standards are maintained at all times.
• Plan, organise, and manage food service throughout the day.
• Place and receive stock orders using online ordering systems.
• Assist with menu development, costings, and rota planning when required.
• Monitor stock levels and assist with stock control procedures.
• Receive, check, and store deliveries appropriately.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe kitchen environment.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene, allergen, health & safety, and food safety regulations.

Skills

Cafe experience

Food safety

Allergens

Communication

Organisation

Independent work

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate

City & Guilds 706/2 / NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery

Job description

Café Chef

Oxford City Centre | 30 Hours per Week

Salary: £14.51 per hour (£22,630 per annum)
Hours: 30 hours per week, typically worked across 5 days. Weekend working may be required to meet business needs.

Manpower is recruiting on behalf of a prestigious hospitality and catering operation based in Oxford city centre. We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate Café Chef to join a modern café environment, preparing fresh food and delivering an exceptional customer experience.

This is an excellent opportunity for a chef who enjoys working in a customer‑facing environment, takes pride in producing high‑quality food, and thrives as part of a busy and friendly team.

Please note that there is no parking available on site, therefore applicants must be able to travel to Oxford city centre via public transport or alternative means.

The Role

The Café Chef will be responsible for the day‑to‑day operation and smooth running of an open‑plan café kitchen, ensuring food quality, presentation, service, cleanliness, and food safety standards are maintained at all times.

You will prepare and cook freshly made breakfast and lunch dishes, manage stock and ordering requirements, and work closely with the Front of House team to ensure an outstanding experience for customers. You will also support occasional hospitality and special events as required.

Working under the guidance of the Executive Chef, you will play a key role in maintaining excellent standards whilst ensuring food is prepared, cooked, and served efficiently and professionally.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook breakfast and lunch dishes to a consistently high standard.
• Take ownership of the daily operation of the café kitchen.
• Ensure food quality, presentation, and service standards are maintained at all times.
• Plan, organise, and manage food service throughout the day.
• Place and receive stock orders using online ordering systems.
• Assist with menu development, costings, and rota planning when required.
• Monitor stock levels and assist with stock control procedures.
• Receive, check, and store deliveries appropriately.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe kitchen environment.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene, allergen, health & safety, and food safety regulations.

Skills & Experience Required

• Previous experience within a café, hospitality, catering, or kitchen environment.
• A genuine passion for food, cooking, and customer service.
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene, allergens, and health & safety legislation.
• Food Hygiene Certificate.
• City & Guilds 706/2, NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent), or relevant industry experience.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage workload effectively.

This opportunity would suit a chef who enjoys producing fresh food, takes pride in their work, and is looking to join a professional and supportive environment where quality and customer experience remain the main focus.