Catering Lead - Youth Zone Kitchen Leader & Impact

Blackburn Youth Zone; Blackburn; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Assured Employee Assistance

FairQuid

Think Therapy

Enhanced Maternity/Paternity/Adoption

Birthday leave

Job summary

Blackburn Youth Zone seeks a Catering Lead to oversee in-house catering for young people aged 5 to 25. You will develop menus, manage kitchen staff, ensure food safety, and deliver nutritious meals across our venues.

The role requires strong leadership, budgeting, and a passion for health and wellbeing. Evening and weekend work is required; travel between sites is expected.

Salary up to £26,500–£31,500 with benefits and DBS checks; commitment to safeguarding is essential.

Qualifications

• Five GCSEs or equivalent at Grade C or above.
• NVQ Level 3 catering or other recognised catering qualifications are desirable, as is advanced Food Hygiene Certificate.
• First Aid (Essential)

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.
• Compliance with food hygiene regulations and proper food storage temperatures.

Skills

Catering management

Food safety

Team leadership

Budgeting

Flexible schedule

People skills

Education

Five GCSEs

NVQ Level 3 catering

First Aid

Job description

Blackburn Youth Zone seeks a Catering Lead to oversee in-house catering for young people aged 5 to 25. You will develop menus, manage kitchen staff, ensure food safety, and deliver nutritious meals across our venues.

The role requires strong leadership, budgeting, and a passion for health and wellbeing. Evening and weekend work is required; travel between sites is expected.

Salary up to £26,500–£31,500 with benefits and DBS checks; commitment to safeguarding is essential.