At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious meals for those in need at our Welfare Centre.
- Company: Join NOAH, a charity dedicated to supporting the homeless and disadvantaged.
- Benefits: Earn £13.45 per hour with flexible weekend hours and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to care, compassion, and community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while honing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in a commercial kitchen and a Food Hygiene Level 2 or 3 certificate.
The predicted salary is between 13.45 - 13.45 £ per hour.
Based: NOAH Welfare Centre, 141 Park Street, Luton
Salary: £13.45 per hour
Hours: As required, typically Saturdays and Sundays from 9am–2pm
About this role
This is a rewarding opportunity to use your catering experience to make a real difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness, poverty and other disadvantages. NOAH’s Welfare Centre provides essential support, including food, clothing, showers, health services, accommodation advice and financial guidance.
As Assistant Chef, you will help us provide a welcoming and effective catering service for those accessing the Centre. You will be responsible for preparing and overseeing the midday meal service, providing a balanced two-course meal for approximately 20–50 people. You will make the best possible use of donated food while providing varied and nutritious meals and considering dietary, cultural and religious requirements wherever practical.
You will supervise and support kitchen volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds, maintain high standards of food hygiene and health and safety, complete the required compliance records and ensure the kitchen and dining areas are clean and ready for the next service.
You will have experience working in a UK commercial or industrial kitchen and be comfortable cooking a range of ingredients. You will also have strong time-management, communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work calmly under pressure and treat everyone with empathy, understanding and respect. You must hold a current Food Hygiene Level 2 or 3 certificate or be willing to complete the qualification within your first two weeks in the role.
Our values
NOAH is a charity that helps people experiencing homelessness, extreme poverty and other disadvantages to make positive changes in their lives. We do this by providing care and advice services, training and wellbeing workshops, and opportunities for employment. We are truly driven by our values of Care, Compassion and Commitment, which have their roots in the teachings of Saint Vincent de Paul, whose life was the inspiration behind the founding of NOAH. We are a Living Wage Foundation Employer and are committed to promoting wellbeing and a healthy work-life balance amongst our staff.
Closing date for applications: Two weeks from the date of posting
Interviews: To be held during the week following the closing date
Representation & Experience
NOAH is committed to equality of opportunity, supporting and encouraging under-represented groups, and valuing diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds, who will bring a fresh perspective to the organisation. We are keen that we reflect the diversity of the community we work with and we therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community. We would also like to increase the proportion of our staff with lived experience of the challenges that our clients face so that we can continue to excel and improve our services.
NOAH is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees or volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment and our Safeguarding Policy and Procedure.
Assistant Chef (Luton) employer: NOAH Enterprise
NOAH is an exceptional employer that offers a meaningful opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness and poverty. Located in Luton, our Welfare Centre fosters a supportive work culture where compassion and commitment are at the forefront, providing staff with the chance to grow through hands-on experience and training. As a Living Wage Foundation Employer, we prioritise employee wellbeing and work-life balance, making NOAH a rewarding place to contribute your culinary skills while positively impacting the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Chef (Luton)
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at NOAH Enterprise and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Chef (Luton)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at NOAH Enterprise that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at NOAH Enterprise.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at NOAH Enterprise get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at NOAH Enterprise
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at NOAH Enterprise and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.