Community Cook

JobStart Scheme; Bangor; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A community organization in Bangor is seeking a Community Cook to oversee the delivery of community nutrition programs. You will coordinate meals, workshops, and food courses while ensuring adherence to food safety standards. Ideal candidates will have hands-on kitchen experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for encouraging learning in food preparation. Working hours are flexible, with a maximum of 25 hours per week. Interested individuals should be eligible for support through job assistance programs.

Qualifications

• Experience of leading food and cooking programmes in a kitchen environment to a professional standard.
• Highly motivated and able to cook a wide range of foods and cuisines.
• Experience of managing resources and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and facilitate the delivery of the Community Lunch and Community Breakfast.
• Liaise with colleagues to agree on programme format and planning.
• Engage with the community to empower local learning.

Skills

Leading food and cooking programmes

Passion for food and drink

Experience in kitchen management

Knowledge of cooking techniques

Ability to work with diverse learners

Communication skills

Job description

THE EMPLOYER IS: NORTH DOWN YMCAThe Community Cook will have a key role in working as part of the Community Team to coordinate and deliver our programme of Community lunch and Community Breakfast, food courses, workshops and events to a range of groups. You will take a lead role in developing and monitoring a range of systems from HACCP food safety systems, to ordering and managing stock, equipment, and the use of the kitchen. Experience of managing kitchen systems is essential as well as working with or within the community and voluntary sector and working with volunteers. You will be required to demonstrate excellent organisational and communication skills, the ability to work with a range of people, work well in a team and use your own initiative too. You will have a passion for food, cooking and sharing skills and encouraging learning.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and facilitate the delivery of the Community Lunch and Community Breakfast.
• Coordinate and facilitate a programme of food courses, workshops and events that engage the community in all aspects of food and drink.
• Liaise with Community Team colleagues to agree on the format of programmes and planning for activities.
• Take a lead role in developing a range of systems and procedures that support the running of the kitchen in line with Environmental Health and Health and Safety regulations and maintain records.
• Work with Community Team colleagues to ensure the smooth running of events and programmes.
• Setting and tidying community kitchens before and after activity.
• Assist in the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation systems and reporting.
• To comply fully with the organisation’s ethos, policies and procedures and relevant legislation.
• Engage with our community in a way that empowers local people to take ownership of their learning and adopt sustainable behaviour changes.
• To work and communicate effectively with other team members (staff, sessional workers and volunteers) to achieve goals.
• To work constructively and effectively with partners, groups and organisations.
• To attend and contribute to team meetings and training courses.
• To undertake other duties in line with the job purpose.

Skills and Qualifications

• Experience of leading food and cooking programmes in a kitchen environment to a professional standard.
• Highly motivated and able to cook a wide range of foods and cuisines with, and the ability to guide, learners of all ages and experience.
• Passionate about all aspects of food and drink and highly motivated to share skills and knowledge with others.
• Experience of managing resources and equipment.
• Knowledge of a range of cooking techniques and methods.
• Knowledge and understanding of the benefits of sustainable food and waste reduction.
• Awareness of the community and voluntary sector.
• Experience of leading food activities.
• Experience of working independently and as part of a team.
• Proven ability to plan a diverse workload to a deadline and use initiative.
• Experience of working with or within the community and voluntary sector and working with volunteers.
• Experience of carrying out regular monitoring and evaluation with participants.
• Experience of developing materials for events and workshops.

Further Information

The Employer is: NORTH DOWN YMCAJobStart Opportunity - Working Hours Information- Standard Hours: up to 25 hours per week.- Flexible/Reduced Hours: May be available upon approval by a Work Coach.- Additional Hours: The employer may offer extra hours depending on availability. This should be discussed directly with the employer before starting employment.The job advert may end before the closing date if requested by the employer.

Application Information

JOBSTART IS OPEN TO WORKING AGE BENEFIT CLAIMANTS WHO ARE DEEMED ELIGIBLE BY A WORK COACH. If you are on Universal Credit, please contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of any other working age benefit, please contact your local Jobs & Benefits Office on 0800 001 5782.

Vacancy ID 1751412 Job Sector Hotel and Catering Area Co Down Location Bangor Salary 16-17 £7.55, 18-20 £10.00, 21 plus £12.21 per hour No. vacancies 1 Contract Type Temporary Weekly hours 25 Published date 22/12/2025 Closing date 30/01/2026 Worktime 9am-5pm Monday-Friday

Area: Derry or Londonderry
Closing date: 30 Dec 2025