Job Description

Job Title:

Community Cafe Manager & Head Cook

Location:

Ormskirk

Hours:

Full-time (37.5 hours/week) 5 days per week (Saturday inclusive).

Salary:

27,000 - 29,000 per annum - dependent on experience

Holidays/Benefits:

28 days holiday, including bank holiday, plus your birthday off, enrollment into organisation pension scheme

Reports to:

Community Hub Director

Start Date:

Ideally mid-to-late August 2025 (flexible for the right candidate)

About Us

We're a vibrant community hub and cafe with a mission to bring people together through food, conversation, and inclusive programming. Our cafe serves fresh, wholesome meals made with locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. We also provide a welcoming space where people from all walks of life can connect, take part in activities, and access support.

About the Role

This is a hands-on leadership role combining kitchen responsibilities with the management of daily cafe operations. You'll be responsible for menu planning and meal preparation, leading a small team, and helping create a friendly, inclusive atmosphere for everyone who walks through our doors.

Person Specification

Essential

? Experience cooking in a commercial or community kitchen

? Ability to plan nutritious meals and manage a kitchen budget

? Strong leadership and team management skills

? Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities

? Commitment to inclusivity, community values, and sustainability

? Flexibility and resilience in a people-focused environment

Desirable

? Food Hygiene Level 2 (or above)

? Barista or cafe service experience

? Experience working with volunteers or in community projects

? Awareness of safeguarding and health & safety in community spaces

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen & Food Preparation

? Plan and prepare a healthy, affordable, and seasonal menu

? Ensure full compliance with food hygiene and safety standards

? Manage stock, ordering, and food storage

? Reduce food waste by thoughtful planning and using surplus where appropriate

? Cater to a variety of dietary needs (e.g. vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies)

Cafe Management & Operations

? Lead and support a team of staff, volunteers, and trainees

? Oversee rotas, task delegation, and daily operations

? Handle cashing up, basic reporting, and budget control

? Ensure the cafe space remains clean, safe, and welcoming

? Maintain stock levels and manage suppliers within budget

Community Engagement

? Foster a warm, inclusive environment for cafe visitors

? Support community events, workshops, and activities through food service

? Build relationships with local suppliers, partners, and community members

? Provide guidance and support to volunteers, including those with additional needs

What We Offer

? Opportunity to shape and lead a growing community space

? Supportive, values-led working environment

? Ongoing training and development

To Apply:

Please send your CV and a brief covering letter explaining why you're a good fit for this role to letstalk@hopest.org.uk.

Have a great day.

Sheila Byrne
Mob: 07903381874

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From 27,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 28/08/2025
Reference ID: HopeSt2025
Expected start date: 01/09/2025