Culinary Lead in Cardiff

Overview

Hours: Part-time (22.5 hours) fixed-term until March 2027. The successful candidate should be flexible in the working days and hours to meet the needs of the role.

Terms: 33 days including bank holidays pro rata. After two years’ service this increases by 1 day a year up to a maximum of 5 days (pro rata). 1 day volunteering leave per year also available (pro rata).

FareShare Cymru

FareShare Cymru is an independent charity and part of the national FareShare UK network of surplus food redistribution charities. We turn an environmental problem into a social solution. We source quality surplus food – from food retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers – engaging volunteers to redistribute to local charities and community groups that provide meals to vulnerable people.

Purpose Of The Role

To bring FareShare Cymru staff and volunteers together through the provision of a cooked lunch utilising surplus food at our warehouse, including for team volunteering days and supplier meetings to show how surplus food can be used. To develop and deliver programmes of cookery and nutrition skills training, showcasing surplus food to increase confidence in its use. To deliver identified project outcomes as required by funders and Senior Leadership Team, in line with the FareShare Cymru strategy.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver interactive cookery classes within the FareShare Cymru warehouse in Cardiff.
• Deliver training at the approved premises of some of our South Wales-based charity and community group partners.
• Ensure equipment, resources, learning materials and ingredients are appropriate to each class.
• Implement and maintain strict standards of food hygiene and health & safety in the preparation and cooking of food.
• Work with the Training Lead to ensure volunteers undertake relevant training (e.g. Level 2 Food Hygiene), maintaining high standards of delivery and record keeping.
• Source ingredients internally, with surplus food being the priority around which meal creation is shaped.
• Support and work with volunteers.
• Create meals for corporate partners.
• Development and implementation of SOPs and kitchen procedures.
• Work to guidelines from key stakeholders such as Public Health and the Food Standards Agency, keeping up to date with changes in food policy, strategy and dietary advice.
• Support the growth of the project, creating engaging content on social media channels which promotes our classes, the use of surplus food and the charity’s impact.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

• Compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act, with specific responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of all people in your care, including yourself.
• Ensure the safe and compliant planning, implementation and monitoring of all cookery and training activities.
• Report all accidents, incidents and near misses in accordance with our procedures.
• Responsible for the implementation of HACCP procedures and liaison with Environmental Health.

Person Specification

• We are looking for a dynamic and engaging individual with excellent cookery and training skills and the creativity to turn surplus food into meals.
• Experience in planning, coordinating, and delivering cookery classes / demonstration events for diverse groups.
• Demonstrable training experience.
• Strong understanding of food hygiene and health & safety standards within a controlled kitchen environment.
• Ability to engage and work appropriately with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) for reports, publicity materials, and external liaison.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain good working relations, both within an organisation and with stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team and work on own initiative to meet objectives.
• Ability to collect and report on data accurately, using relevant software.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• A commitment to Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding.
• A commitment to continuous professional development undertaking any training required to fulfil the role.
• An understanding of, and sympathy with, FareShare Cymru’s mission and strategy.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Willingness to undergo a DBS check prior to employment and throughout service as required.
• Knowledge or qualification in nutrition and healthy eating guidance.
• Experience using a wide range of ingredients creatively and sustainably, preferably surplus.
• Experience working with disadvantaged or vulnerable groups in a community or in employability work.
• Familiarity with dietary guidelines, public health food policy and current food strategies.

Closing date is 11.59pm on Sunday 22nd February. To apply please send a CV and cover letter no more than two sides of A4 to jobs@fareshare.cymru.