At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a community café, creating healthy meals and fostering a welcoming environment.
- Company: Join SMART London, a compassionate organisation focused on community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Make a real difference while gaining valuable experience in a supportive setting.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow and make an impact in a vibrant community hub.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values inclusion and connection through food and community.
- Qualifications: Experience in food preparation and a passion for supporting diverse communities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
SMART London is looking for a compassionate, organised and community-minded Community Café Cook & Supervisor to help lead our welcoming Community Café & Wellbeing Hub in Chelsea, run in partnership with Open Age. This is far more than a kitchen role. Our pay-as-you-feel café is a safe and inclusive community space where people come not only for affordable, healthy food, but also for connection, dignity and support. We work alongside people who may be experiencing mental health challenges, loneliness or social exclusion, and we believe everyone deserves to feel valued and welcomed. We are looking for someone who can create delicious, nutritious meals while also helping foster a calm, supportive and positive environment for volunteers, staff and visitors alike.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Overseeing the day-to-day running of the café kitchen
- Planning and preparing simple, healthy, low-cost meals and snacks
- Making creative use of surplus and donated food
- Supervising and supporting volunteers
- Maintaining high standards of food hygiene and health & safety
- Creating a warm, welcoming café environment
- Supporting people sensitively and confidently
- Managing stock, supplies and basic record keeping
- Working collaboratively with SMART and Open Age colleagues to ensure the café continues to thrive as a community hub
About You
- Experienced in preparing fresh, healthy food in a café, kitchen or community setting
- Calm, patient and approachable
- Confident supervising volunteers or staff
- Comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences
- Passionate about inclusion, wellbeing and community connection
- Organised, reliable and able to work independently
- Knowledgeable about food hygiene and kitchen health & safety standards
- Experience of working alongside people with mental health needs, or within community or voluntary sector settings, would be highly valued.
Why Join SMART?
At SMART, we believe recovery is possible for everyone. We work alongside people to build confidence, reduce isolation and create opportunities for connection and wellbeing. This role offers the chance to make a genuine difference every day — using food, conversation and community as tools for inclusion and recovery. If you are someone who cares deeply about people and community, and enjoys creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels they belong, we would love to hear from you.
To Apply
Please submit your CV and a short supporting statement explaining why you are interested in the role and how your experience matches the person specification. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental health challenges, and from candidates from underrepresented communities.
Community Café Cook & Supervisor in London employer: SMART
SMART London is an exceptional employer that prioritises community connection and wellbeing, offering a unique opportunity to work in a supportive environment where your culinary skills can truly make a difference. Located in the heart of Chelsea, our Community Café & Wellbeing Hub fosters a culture of inclusivity and compassion, providing employees with the chance to grow alongside a diverse team while positively impacting the lives of those facing mental health challenges. Join us to be part of a mission-driven organisation that values every individual and promotes personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Café Cook & Supervisor in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the café and its mission! Before your interview, spend some time learning about SMART London and the Community Café. This will help you connect your passion for community and wellbeing with what they do, making you a standout candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you can, bring along a sample of a dish you've created or share a recipe that reflects your approach to healthy, low-cost meals. This not only showcases your cooking abilities but also your creativity and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your experience with diverse communities. Think of examples where you've supported individuals from different backgrounds or those facing challenges. This will demonstrate your understanding of the café's inclusive environment and your ability to foster connection.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to highlight your organisational skills! Talk about how you manage stock, supplies, and record keeping in previous roles. This will show that you’re not just a great cook, but also someone who can keep the café running smoothly.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Café Cook & Supervisor in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your supporting statement, let your passion for community and inclusion shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that connect you to the role, as we love to see genuine enthusiasm!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food preparation and community work. We want to see how your skills align with our mission, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements in similar roles.
Be Authentic:We appreciate authenticity! Don’t just list your qualifications; tell us how your unique background and experiences make you a great fit for our café. This is your chance to stand out, so be yourself!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at SMART
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research SMART London and its mission. Understand the community they serve and think about how your values align with theirs. This will help you demonstrate your passion for inclusion and community connection during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in preparing healthy meals, especially in a café or community setting. Bring examples of dishes you've created that are both nutritious and budget-friendly. If possible, share any creative uses of surplus food you've implemented in previous roles.
✨Highlight Your Supervisory Experience
Since this role involves supervising volunteers, be ready to talk about your leadership style. Share specific examples of how you've supported and motivated others in a kitchen or community environment. Emphasise your calm and approachable nature, as these traits are crucial for fostering a positive atmosphere.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Think about potential scenarios you might face in the café, such as dealing with a challenging situation involving a visitor or volunteer. Prepare thoughtful responses that showcase your problem-solving skills and your ability to create a supportive environment. This will show that you're ready to handle the unique challenges of the role.
