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- Tasks: Prepare and cook delicious, seasonal food while managing café operations.
- Company: Join a charity dedicated to supporting horticulturists in a vibrant café environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension contributions, and family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a beautiful setting while advancing your culinary career.
- Qualifications: Experience in food service, customer service skills, and knowledge of food hygiene.
- Other info: Work with fresh, local produce in a supportive team atmosphere.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 30000 £ per year.
About Us
Perennial is a charity dedicated to helping people in horticulture. Together with our network of partners, we provide free support, information, advice, financial assistance and services for horticulturalists and their loved ones experiencing illness, disability, bereavement, family breakdown and financial difficulties. We have a real focus on improving the health and well-being outcomes of people working in horticulture and have an ambitious preventative strategy to create better futures for people working in horticulture.
York Gate is a vibrant, beautiful arts and crafts garden, café, plant nursery and shop in Adel, Leeds. Due to an expansion, we are now open all week long and are welcoming more and more visitors every day.
This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate catering professional with a strong customer focus to take their next step into an assistant manager role with our friendly, supportive team. Within our York Gate café, we pride ourselves on using fresh, local produce and reflecting the seasons with our menus. Overlooking our stunning new sunken Mediterranean garden, you will work in a beautiful environment which also promotes health through its delicious homemade food.
The Role
As a Chef / Assistant Catering Manager, you will help deliver high-quality, seasonal food and a welcoming experience that is second-to-none. Specifically, you will prepare and cook delicious, well-presented and healthy food using seasonal produce, including ingredients from our kitchen garden, alongside a daily range of homemade cakes, scones and traybakes. Working closely with the kitchen team and volunteers, you will support the Catering Manager, and deputise in their absence, sharing responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the café. You will ensure the café runs smoothly and maintains a consistently high standard of food and service.
- Lead on food preparation to the highest standards
- Cater for dietary requirements and food allergies and stay up-to-date on how to do this
- Ensure all hygiene, first aid and health and safety at work regulations, risk assessments and COSHH procedures are followed
- Support the organisation and safe storage of stock and supplies
- Maintain health and safety records and follow agreed procedures
- Provide friendly, professional customer service at all times
About You
To be considered as our Chef / Assistant Catering Manager, you will need:
- Varied paid experience in the food service industry, including food preparation, ordering, budgeting, and stock control
- Customer service experience
- Food preparation, cooking, and presentation skills especially those relevant to a healthy café setting
- Familiarity with the Food Standards Agency requirements, e.g. using the standards of Safer Food Better Business for Caterers
- Working knowledge of First Aid in the workplace
- Good, up-to-date knowledge of food hygiene and allergens
- Level 2 food hygiene certificate
The closing date for this role is 31st January 2026.
Chef / Assistant Catering Manager in Leeds employer: Perennial
Contact Detail:
Perennial Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef / Assistant Catering Manager in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research Perennial and York Gate, their mission, and what they stand for. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills and be ready to showcase them! If you get the chance, bring a sample of your culinary creations to the interview. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion for food and your ability to create delicious dishes.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your customer service experience! Being friendly and professional is key in a café setting, so share examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and keen to join the team at York Gate.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef / Assistant Catering Manager in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and fresh ingredients shine through. Share any experiences that highlight your culinary skills and how you enjoy creating delicious meals, especially in a café setting.
Tailor Your CV to the Role: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your customer service experience and any relevant food preparation or management roles you've had to show us you're the perfect fit.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with our team at York Gate.
How to prepare for a job interview at Perennial
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with seasonal produce and local suppliers. Be ready to discuss how you can incorporate fresh ingredients into the café's menu, as this aligns perfectly with their focus on health and well-being.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in previous roles. Highlight your ability to cater to dietary requirements and allergies, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Potential
Think about times when you've led a team or taken charge in the kitchen. Be prepared to share these experiences, especially how you can support the Catering Manager and manage the café in their absence.
✨Brush Up on Food Safety Knowledge
Make sure you're up-to-date with food hygiene regulations and the Food Standards Agency requirements. Being able to discuss your knowledge of COSHH procedures and first aid will show that you're serious about maintaining high standards.
