Chef

NOW Group; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Health Cash Plan

Staff Counselling & Financial Advisory

Pension scheme

Bike 2 Work Scheme

Holiday purchase scheme

Flexible working & wellbeing

Job summary

NOW Group is seeking a dedicated Chef to prepare and cook a variety of dishes following standardised recipes. You will support training and employment opportunities for people with learning difficulties and autism, while ensuring HACCP, allergen control and safety compliance.

The role involves assisting with menu development, procurement procedures, and working closely with the Café Manager to meet financial targets. You will also support NOW Group participants on placement.

Qualifications

• Two years paid cook experience in a busy catering environment.
• Sound knowledge of health and safety procedures including COSHH and HACCP.
• Essential Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Attention to detail and presentation.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Teamwork and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook dishes according to recipes and quality standards.
• Follow all food safety regulations (HACCP, allergen control, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with Food Hygiene and Health & Safety legislation.
• Support the Café Manager with financial targets; sales, gross profit, wastage and control of labour.
• Follow internal procurement procedures and manage supplier relationships.
• Assist in menu planning and developing new dishes.
• Provide support to NOW Group participants on placement and ensure accurate recording of interactions.

Skills

Cooking

Health & safety

Teamwork

Communication

Attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Chef

About Loaf Catering

We are Loaf Catering, we are a social enterprise supporting people with learning difficulties and autism into jobs with a future. If you're in Dublin or Belfast, be sure to check out our cafes. We not only serve delicious food and good coffee but also offer outside catering for events, offices, and parties.

The Role

As Chef you will produce a variety of dishes in line with our standardised recipes, while creating training and employment opportunities for local people with learning difficulties and autism.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook dishes according to recipes and quality standards.
• Follow all food safety regulations (HACCP, allergen control, etc.)
• Ensure compliance with Food Hygiene and Health & Safety legislation.
• Support the Café Manager with financial targets; sales, gross profit, wastage and control of labour.
• Follow internal procurement procedures and manage supplier relationships.
• Assist in menu planning and developing new dishes.
• Provide support to NOW Group participants on placement and ensure accurate recording of interactions.

This job description is not definitive and may be subject to review as the duties and responsibilities determine.

What We Offer

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave plus 12 statutory days
• Health Cash Plan (on successful completion of probationary period)
• Access to confidential Staff Counselling & Financial Advisory Services
• Stakeholder Pension Scheme (5% employer contribution)
• Bike 2 Work Scheme
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Flexible working & Wellbeing initiatives

Additional Information

• Employment is subject to an Enhanced AccessNI Disclosure Check.

• NOW Group is committed to fair recruitment practices. Policies on safeguarding, recruitment of ex-offenders, and data protection are available upon request.

  Join NOW Group and be part of a team that makes a difference by transforming lives and creating brighter futures.

About the company

NOW Group are an award-winning social enterprise who deliver services across Ireland supporting people with learning difficulties, autism and neurodiverse conditions into jobs with a future.

We are passionate about changing lives and our priority is on outcomes and impact for individuals, their families and communities who are the most disadvantaged. We support participants to have better health, a better education and a brighter future. Our services are continually evolving as a result of co-design, participant feedback and project learning.

Required Criteria

• At least 2 years paid experience working as a cook within a busy catering environment.
• Sound knowledge of Health and safety Procedures including COSHH and HACCP.
• Essential Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Attention to detail and presentation.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Teamwork and communication skills.

Desired Criteria

• Experience of working with adults with a learning disability.
• Sound knowledge and experience of catering for customers with different dietary requirements.