At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious café dishes and lead a dynamic kitchen team in a vibrant setting.
- Company: Join Medlock Square, a landmark destination for culture and hospitality in Manchester.
- Benefits: Enjoy meals on shifts, competitive holiday allowance, and a birthday day off.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and supports your wellbeing.
- Why this job: Shape the future of dining in a world-class entertainment district and grow your career.
- Qualifications: Experience as a chef in busy environments and a passion for fresh, quality food.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Medlock Square marks a bold new chapter in the evolution of the Etihad Campus — a vibrant, year‑round destination for culture, leisure and entertainment, set alongside two global icons: the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City Football Club, and the landmark Co‑op Live arena. Named after the River Medlock that runs beneath the site, the development celebrates Manchester’s industrial heritage while shaping its next era of city‑defining experiences. Manchester is known worldwide for its sport, music and entertainment — and Medlock Square will build on that legacy, creating a landmark home for exceptional shared moments and elevating the city’s position as one of Europe’s most dynamic, fast‑growing destinations.
At the heart of this new district will be an extraordinary food and beverage offer: from relaxed coffee houses and all‑day dining to flagship restaurants and premium culinary experiences. Designed to serve both everyday visitors and major event audiences, Medlock Square will deliver high‑quality hospitality all week long and across the events calendar.
We're looking for a passionate and experienced Café Chef to help shape and deliver an outstanding café food offering, bringing creativity, consistency, and exceptional quality to every aspect of the customer experience. You'll play a key role in maintaining high culinary standards, supporting team development, and contributing to a fresh, innovative food proposition within one of Manchester's most exciting hospitality destinations.
As a Café Chef, you will support the day-to-day leadership of a busy, customer-focused kitchen, working alongside the Head Chef to deliver fresh, seasonal, and high-quality food throughout the day. From breakfast through to lunch service and event catering, you'll ensure exceptional standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency across all areas of the operation. This is a hands-on role within a fast-paced environment where quality, efficiency, and guest satisfaction are at the heart of everything we do. You will lead by example during service, support kitchen operations, and help develop a positive and high-performing team culture. Working across both event and non-event days, you will contribute to operational excellence, maintain food safety standards, and help create a welcoming café experience that keeps guests returning. In the absence of the Head Chef, you will help oversee kitchen operations, ensuring smooth service delivery and consistently high standards.
In this role you will:
- Support the delivery of a high-performing café kitchen operation, ensuring exceptional food quality and service standards across daily trading and event catering requirements.
- Prepare and deliver menus in line with the café concept, maintaining high standards of consistency, freshness, and presentation.
- Support, guide, and develop members of the kitchen team, fostering a positive and collaborative culture.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, health & safety, and allergen management standards at all times.
- Contribute to strong commercial performance through effective stock control, waste reduction, and efficient kitchen operations.
- Support the delivery of seasonal menu changes, daily specials, and new product development.
- Assist with kitchen planning, preparation, and service across both café operations and event activity.
Essential Skills, Knowledge & Expertise:
- Proven experience as a Chef, Senior Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, or similar role within a busy café, casual dining, hospitality, hotel, or food-service environment.
- Strong experience delivering breakfast, brunch, lunch, grab-and-go, and all-day dining offers.
- Ability to perform effectively within a fast-paced kitchen operation while maintaining high standards and attention to detail.
- Experience supporting and coaching kitchen team members.
- Good understanding of food safety, hygiene, and allergen legislation.
- Experience supporting stock control, food cost management, and waste reduction.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills.
- Calm and confident under pressure during busy trading periods.
- Passion for fresh food, quality ingredients, and delivering an exceptional customer experience.
- Flexibility to work weekends, event days, and occasional evenings as required.
Desirable:
- Experience within a premium café, artisan café, coffee-led hospitality venue, or contemporary casual dining environment.
- Experience supporting new openings, refurbishments, or concept launches.
- Exposure to menu development, seasonal menu planning, and café food trends.
- Knowledge of local suppliers, fresh produce, and sustainable sourcing practices.
- Experience working collaboratively with front-of-house and coffee teams to deliver an outstanding guest experience.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a flagship destination set to redefine hospitality in Manchester.
- Work within a world‑class entertainment and cultural district.
- Build and lead new teams from the ground up.
- Influence concepts, menus and guest experiences.
- Grow your career within a pioneering and high‑profile development.
- Meals on Shifts – Enjoy lunch & dinner while you work.
- Competitive Holiday Allowance - plus bank holidays.
- Birthday Day Off- Enjoy an extra day off to celebrate your birthday.
- Inclusive & Diverse Workplace – Be part of a team that values diversity and inclusion.
- Wellbeing - Support and resources to help you stay well, both in and outside of work.
Café Chef in Manchester employer: Eastlands Venue Services Limited
Eastlands Venue Services Limited is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and vibrant work environment in the heart of Manchester. With a strong focus on teamwork and employee well-being, we provide benefits such as private medical insurance and a generous holiday allowance, ensuring our staff feel valued and supported. Join us to grow your skills in a fast-paced hospitality setting where every day brings new opportunities for personal and professional development.
Contact Details:
Eastlands Venue Services Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Café Chef in Manchester
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Eastlands Venue Services Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Eastlands Venue Services Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to Eastlands Venue Services Limited directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Café Chef in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Eastlands Venue Services Limited and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Eastlands Venue Services Limited
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
