Open Kitchen Coordinator

Muslim Hands; Manchester; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-led initiative is seeking a Full-Time Open Kitchen Coordinator in Manchester to oversee daily operations, ensure high-quality meal delivery, and engage with volunteers. The role involves community engagement, monitoring performance indicators, and ensuring compliance. Candidates must have interpersonal skills and the right to work in the UK. The position offers a salary up to £35,000 per year, with a 6-month contract that may be extended.

Qualifications

• Right to work in the UK and a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check.
• Warm interpersonal skills, comfortable engaging with diverse people.
• Availability for weekend shifts.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and ensure quality of meals.
• Supervise volunteers for effective service delivery.
• Engage with community partners to support service users.
• Monitor performance indicators and maintain accurate records.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Team-oriented attitude

Dependability

Job description

As part of the Open Kitchen project team, the role will involve ensuring the smooth, safe, and impactful operation of Open Kitchen Manchester.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day‑to‑day activities within Open Kitchen Manchester, ensuring consistent delivery of high‑quality, nutritious meals.
• Supervise and observe the cooking facility in the Manchester Open Kitchen, ensuring compliance with hygiene, health, and safety regulations.
• Manage food inventory, kitchen supplies, and procurement processes to ensure sustainability and efficiency.
• Ensure all food standards are followed.

Volunteer Coordination

• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers to ensure effective service delivery and adherence to health and safety standards.
• Promote a positive and inclusive volunteer culture that reflects the values of compassion, respect, and community service.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain partnerships with local food banks, the NHS, job centres, local councils, and rehousing services to offer holistic support to service users.
• Collaborate with community organisations, faith groups, and local businesses to strengthen the project's reach and impact.
• Collaborate with strategic partners to drive the expansion of the open kitchen concept across multiple locations.
• Lead fundraising initiatives for the open kitchen and manage the facilitation of in‑kind donations.
• Represent the Open Kitchen at community events and stakeholder meetings to promote collaboration and visibility.

Beneficiary Support

• Identify service users who may benefit from additional assistance, including access to healthcare, employment, housing, or welfare services.
• Coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure referrals and follow‑ups are managed effectively.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Ensure all operational, financial, and compliance records are maintained accurately.
• Monitor performance indicators such as meals served, volunteer hours, and beneficiary outcomes, and report regularly to the management team.
• Support continuous improvement of service quality and community impact.
• Create and provide daily Open Kitchen feedback reports to monitor beneficiary numbers and meal distributions.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Right to work in the UK and a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check, completed before starting the role.
• Warm interpersonal skills, comfortable engaging with people from all walks of life.
• Dependable, team‑oriented attitude and availability for weekend shifts.

About Open Kitchen

The Open Kitchen is a community‑led initiative tackling food poverty and social isolation across the UK. Our kitchens, based in Hounslow (London), Nottingham, and Manchester, provide free, hot, and nutritious meals to individuals and families affected by homelessness, low income, or displacement as refugees. Operating seven days a week, the Open Kitchen offers more than just food – it provides a safe, welcoming space where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Each kitchen also serves as a community support hub, distributing essential household items and sleeping bags to those in need. Through this initiative, we aim not only to alleviate hunger but also to connect service users with pathways to stability, empowerment, and independence.

Compensation & Contract

Up to £35,000 per year.

Full‑time, 6‑month fixed‑term contract (with a 3‑month probationary period), extendable and renewable.

Actively interviewing.