Community Café Manager

Volunteer Centre; Leeds; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading community organization in Leeds is seeking a skilled chef/cook and kitchen manager to lead their community café. The role involves managing kitchen operations, mentoring volunteers, and ensuring high food quality standards, all while promoting inclusion and skill development among participants. The position offers a full-time schedule with a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience as a chef/cook or kitchen manager in a professional setting.
• Experience working with vulnerable and disadvantaged people.
• Familiarity with volunteer management best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day running of the café including breakfast and lunch service.
• Supervise and mentor a team of 15 volunteers.
• Plan and implement weekly menus with affordability and nutrition in mind.

Skills

Communication

Team Building

Mentorship

Inclusivity

Education

Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene Certification

First Aid Certification

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certification

Job description

Hours of work: Full time Mon-Fri 8-4 (flexible occasional evenings and weekends)

Rate of pay: £26,000 – £28,000 per annum

Responsible to: Trading Manager

About the Role:

You’ll lead our community café, a warm and welcoming hub at the heart of St Vincent’s Centre. We are looking for an experienced chef/cook & kitchen manager who can prepare high-quality meals, manage kitchen compliance, mentor our team of volunteers, and help us grow the café as both a social and commercial space.

Aim: To provide a high-quality, professional food offer to our local community through a sustainable business model that also delivers an engaging, supportive, and rewarding volunteer experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the day-to-day running of the café including breakfast and lunch service.
• Ensure food hygiene, kitchen cleanliness, and health and safety compliance.
• Supervise and mentor a team of 15 volunteers and 1 part-time staff. (training & support)
• Plan and implement weekly menus with affordability and nutrition in mind.
• Income generation through food and service encompassing the wider SVP ethos and values.
• Support individuals from a range of backgrounds to develop kitchen confidence and skills.
• Work with the Trading Manager to improve income and expand services.
• Develop and grow professional networks to benefit the cafe and centre.
• Work as part of the centre team to deliver quality outcomes for our users.
• Formal reporting and feedback.
• Regular development meetings with the Trading Manager.
• Recognise, promote and live the SVP values and mission.
• Understand and comply with St Vincent’s confidentiality, health & safety, and equal opportunities policies and procedures.

Person specification

• Minimum 2 years’ experience as a chef /cook or kitchen manager in a professional setting.
• Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene (minimum) & allergens certification.
• First Aid certification.
• Experience of managing or mentoring people – volunteers, apprentices, or junior staff.
• Experience of working within a voluntary sector environment with vulnerable and disadvantaged people, those from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and those with mental health issues.
• Excellent communication and team-building skills.
• Understanding of safeguarding and supporting vulnerable adults.
• A values-led, compassionate approach to inclusion.
• Level 3 Food hygiene.
• Knowledge of the SVP.
• Experience working in a charity or community setting.
• Experience supporting people with mental health, learning differences, or in recovery.
• Familiarity with volunteer management best practices – Ability to use basic digital tools (email, spreadsheets, social media).

If you would like to speak to someone about the role please contact us on [phone] and choose option 3 in the call menu.