Job Description

About us

York Cocoa Works is an independent chocolate maker based in the heart of York, celebrating York's chocolate making heritage. We work with unique cocoa origins from around the world to craft award-winning and innovative, fine chocolate.

We are a manufacturing, learning and visitor hub with growing online, wholesale and offsite events, training and innovation services

We are proud to be one of a small number of British chocolate makers crafting sustainable chocolate here in the UK. We are delighted to welcome chocolate enthusiasts and professionals to join us from around the world to learn and engage with the chocolate making process.

York Cocoa Works is a busy chocolate visitor destination with activities running daily, at weekends and during peak holiday periods. A flexible approach is required to meet demands in holiday seasons and to respond constructively to demand fluctuations.

A love of chocolate is a must! And we will provide specialist training to support our team and enthusiastic professionals.

Role Overview

We are looking for two Chocolate Events Supervisors to support and work with our Education Lead, in our Chocolate Learning Centre.

This role is based at the manufactory in Castlegate in York city centre and is responsible for the hands-on delivery our education and event program, including on-site hospitality and retail services with shift supervisory responsibilities.

You will work alongside our team of manufacturing, education and hospitality professionals to lead and deliver outstanding and memorable experiences for a range of groups. This will include private parties, community events, corporate and educational activities both at York Cocoa Works and off-site, such as at schools or festivals.

Our ideal candidate will be confident to deliver varied workshops and subject ranges to different audiences and at a range of levels. They should enjoy working in a fast paced, dynamic environment and be able to adapt to the changing needs of the business.

During a typical day, your primary focus will be the delivery of our daily activity program, which can include tutored tasting tours, to the theory of chocolate making masterclasses and the hands-on chocolate making workshops.

Working Hours

This is a permanent opportunity for an enthusiastic chocolate lover and customer service professional. There are full-time hours available with an expectation to work weekends, bank holidays and occasional evenings.

We take a flexible approach to supporting part-time and job share opportunities as appropriate for the right candidate.

About you

Our ideal candidate would have experience working in a similar catering environment, ideally with an understanding of chocolate making, confectionery, tempering and moulding.

Ideally, you will have held a supervisory position and/or have previous teaching/training or delivery experience. We will provide a full training plan about our history and product specifications, we are therefore looking for a keen individual with a can-do attitude who is willing to fully embrace and develop this role further.

You must be confident when speaking to large groups. You must be a flexible and enthusiastic team player and be able to organise and manage your own time and events diary and efficiently problem solve to keep activities to a full and busy schedule.

You must be confident in maintaining quality standards and take pride in the delivery of our workshop schedule through outstanding customer service.

An ability to prioritise the daily workload including full event preparation in our Chocolate Learning Centre; event delivery, resetting and turn around in between each workshop as well as following company opening and closing procedures and Food Safety procedures.

During busier peak periods, there can be limited event turnaround time, therefore organisation and excellent time management is essential to the smooth running of the day.

Required Skills and Attributes:

Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise in a dynamic customer facing environment. Able to effectively communicate with customers and the team, ensuring a professional and informative welcome and experience. Works well in busy environments. Computer literate; events booking systems & POS Able to use your own initiative, with a flexible positive attitude bringing energy and enthusiasm to the role. Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills. Excellent time management and ability to problem solve. Motivated individual who works well as part of a team. Passionate about chocolate and the promotion of independent food manufacturing businesses. Experienced in delivering exceptional customer service in the food and drink sector. Practical working knowledge of Food Safety Regulations Have a responsibility for the safety of visitors, buildings and stock in accordance with company Risk Assessments.

Experience:

Experience communicating to groups of people - Essential

Hospitality / Event Experience - Preferred

Catering / Training Experience - Preferred

Good to know

We are a small, devoted and friendly team and we are looking for a like-minded individual to join us during an exciting period of development and growth. Creating traceable, sustainable and fairer chocolate products is at the heart of what we do.

We offer a competitive wage, an inclusive and supportive work environment, and the opportunity to work with a team of talented and dedicated professionals.

If you think you have the skills we are looking for and are enthusiastic to develop as a chocolate professional, we encourage you to apply for this opportunity.

Benefits

13.00 per hour

Company pension (for eligible employees)

The opportunity to work for a passionate business with career opportunities

Staff discount 20%

Free Chocolate Workshop places for friends and family

Comprehensive training in speciality cocoa and chocolate standards

Sociable working hours, occasional evenings

Free drinks during shifts

28 days holiday per year

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 13.00 per hour

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Employee discount
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 29/09/2025
Reference ID: YCW25231