Chef

IKEA Gruppe; Tameside; On-site; Confidential; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

IKEA discount

Life Assurance

Pension contributions

Cycle to work

Free car parking

Wellbeing centre

Job summary

IKEA Manchester is hiring an IKEA Food Co-worker (chef) in our Food team. This part-time role offers a 30-hour week at £13.45 per hour, with a 2nd Oct 2026 start. Shifts include mornings, evenings, and weekends, and every 4th weekend off.

Enjoy a supportive, brand-driven kitchen environment with opportunities for growth and team collaboration. Join a globally recognised brand that values great food, fast-paced teamwork, and a welcoming culture.

Qualifications

• Previous cooking or food preparation experience is essential.
• Experience in a high-volume kitchen environment is beneficial.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team and deliver high-quality meals.
• Passion for food and understanding of food safety and kitchen best practices.
• 18+ with flexible availability including weekends.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present food to IKEA standards.
• Safely operate kitchen equipment and follow recipes.
• Maintain food safety, hygiene and health and safety standards.
• Assist with stock control, rotation, and reducing waste.
• Collaborate with kitchen and restaurant colleagues to deliver a positive guest experience.
• Keep a clean, organised kitchen area.
• Contribute ideas to improve ways of working and sustainability.
• Support a positive team environment.

Skills

Cooking experience

Kitchen teamwork

Food safety knowledge

Fast-paced work

Attention to detail

Job description

IKEA Manchester is looking to welcome an IKEA Food Co-worker, based in our Food team as a chef.

Ready to bring smiles to hungry shoppers and make every meal a moment to remember? At IKEA, our Food & Beverage team is the heartbeat of our in-store experience— preparing and serving iconic dishes, creating warm welcomes. If you’ve got a passion for great food, fast-paced teamwork, and a sprinkle of Scandinavian charm, this is your chance to join a global brand that’s as tasty as it is timeless.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Start date of employment will be: 2nd October 2026
• Competitive hourly rate of £13.45 per hour.
• 30 hours per week contract, working 5 days per week, with every 4th weekend off.
• Shift patterns will include morning, evening and weekend working.
• We can discuss flexibility to match your life and our business needs during the interview.

WORKING WITH US HAS ITS REWARDS

Our co-workers bring unique ideas and talent to work every day and we offer a variety of benefits that suit their and their family's everyday needs.

• 15% IKEA discount & discount portal helping you save £100’s on high-street retailers.
• Life Assurance of 4 times your pay, enhanced statutory pension contributions & interest free loans.
• Free car parking and Cycle to work schemes
• Wellbeing Centre – Mental, Physical health and nutrition resources

...as well so much more! https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/this-is-ikea/work-with-us/why-work-with-us-because-a-job-with-us-is-so-much-more-than-a-job-pub1969c310/

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO HAVE

• Previous cooking, kitchen, or food preparation experience is essential. Experience working in a high-volume kitchen environment is beneficial.
• Ability to work in an extremely fast-paced team environment while maintaining high food quality standards.
• Passion for food, with an understanding of food safety, preparation methods, and kitchen best practices.
• Be self-reliant and motivated, ready to work independently and as part of our team.
• Ability to remain organised and detail-orientated, even when things get busy.
• Comfortable using commercial kitchen equipment and following recipes and food preparation procedures consistently.
• Understanding of health, safety, hygiene, and food safety regulations within a food service environment.
• Compliance with health and safety guidelines necessitates that applicants are 18 years of age or older.
• Availability that aligns with the needs of the role is essential. We require availability across both weekends and weekday daytime shifts.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING DAY TO DAY

• Preparing, cooking, and presenting food to IKEA standards while ensuring excellent quality, freshness, and consistency.
• Safely operating kitchen equipment and following food preparation processes and recipes accurately.
• Ensuring all food safety, hygiene, and health and safety standards are followed at all times.
• Supporting with stock control, stock rotation, ordering processes, and reducing food waste while maintaining ingredient quality.
• Working together with colleagues across the kitchen and restaurant to deliver a positive experience for every customer.
• Maintaining a clean, organised, and efficient kitchen environment, including cleaning equipment and work areas.
• Contributing ideas to improve ways of working, enhance efficiency, and support IKEA's commitment to sustainability and reducing waste.
• Supporting your colleagues, lending a hand, and creating a positive work environment, contributing to a proud team.

WE CARE FOR THE PEOPLE

It takes the diversity of thought, background, and culture to make great ideas a reality. We welcome candidates from all walks of life, including those with disabilities, to join us and feel valued in the workplace.

Come see the wonderful workday where we create a better everyday life for the many.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS INFORMATION

Let us know if you require any adjustments to be made during the interview process as soon as possible.

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited by email to attend a face-to-face interview.

We understand not everyone will be successful, but we promise to keep you informed either way.

Final offers of employment are contingent upon clear results in mandatory background checks. Backgrounds checks must be completed by all successful candidates. This role requires:

• Medical questionnaire