Community Café Manager

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

Job summary

A leading community café is seeking an experienced chef/cook and kitchen manager to lead operations and mentor volunteers. This role focuses on providing high-quality meals while supporting the local community through a sustainable business model, fostering an inclusive environment for all. You will play a key part in training volunteers and expanding cafe services, making a meaningful impact through your work.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience as chef/cook or kitchen manager.
• Experience managing/mentoring volunteers or junior staff.
• Understanding of safeguarding and supporting vulnerable adults.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day running of the café including service.
• Ensure kitchen hygiene and health & safety compliance.
• Plan and implement weekly menus considering nutrition.

Skills

Communication

Team Building

Mentoring

Education

Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene Certification

First Aid Certification

Level 3 Food Hygiene

Tools

Basic Digital Tools

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.