At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our café kitchen, preparing high-quality breakfast and food menu items.
- Company: Join TKUP, a charity transforming lives through food and rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free meals, staff discounts, and mental health support.
- Other info: Enjoy a friendly atmosphere with opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while honing your culinary skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a breakfast chef or in a fast-paced kitchen is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30240 - 32240 € per year.
The Key Unlock Potential (TKUP) is a charity that helps people rebuild their lives after leaving prison. We are creating a safe workspace in the community, allowing individuals to establish routines, acquire new skills, and regain confidence. Acting as a bridge between prison, rehabilitation, and employment, TKUP aims to break the cycle of reoffending.
In partnership with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and HMP Bristol, we have set up a community café that is staffed by recently released individuals from HMP Bristol and is serving “food with conviction”: simple, fresh homemade meals and drinks. Supported by The Restore Trust, we also provide training, employability skills, and follow-on advice for the staff on work placements, with a view to The Key Café becoming a new model for rehabilitation and resettlement, benefiting people with lived experience of prison in Bristol, and in communities nationwide.
We are looking for an experienced and reliable Food Lead/Chef to take ownership of our busy and growing food and breakfast service. This is a key role within the café, ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in delivering high-quality food consistently. This role will involve supporting our beneficiaries in developing practical, work-based skills within a real working environment. A genuine commitment to our charity’s mission and values is essential.
ABOUT YOU
- Proven experience as a breakfast chef or in a similar fast‑paced kitchen role
- Ability to work independently and lead a breakfast/food service
- Strong organisational skills and ability to prep efficiently
- Calm and focused under pressure, especially during peak periods
- Passion for fresh, high‑quality food and attention to detail
- A team player with a positive, can‑do attitude
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepare and cook a high‑quality breakfast and food menu items during busy service periods
- Take full responsibility for the breakfast offering, ensuring consistency and presentation standards are maintained
- Carry out daily food preparation ahead of service
- Manage stock levels for breakfast items and support ordering where required
- Maintain a clean, organised, and efficient kitchen workspace
- Work closely with front‑of‑house to ensure smooth service
- Support with menu ideas and continuous improvement of our food offerings
WHAT WE OFFER
- Competitive hourly rate (£14.50 – £15.50 depending on experience)
- A supportive and friendly working environment
- Consistent working days with a strong and growing customer base
- Free meal allowance on shift and staff discount available
- Cycle to work scheme
- Mental health support
- Personal development through qualifications
Food Lead / Chef employer: The Key Charity Bristol
The Key Unlock Potential (TKUP) is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming lives through meaningful work in a supportive community café environment. With a strong focus on personal development, employees benefit from competitive pay, mental health support, and opportunities to gain valuable skills while making a real difference in the lives of individuals transitioning from prison. Join us in our mission to serve 'food with conviction' and be part of a team that values collaboration, growth, and social impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Lead / Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food industry, especially those connected to charities or community projects. You never know who might have a lead on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a small cooking demo or share some of your best recipes online. This not only showcases your talent but also aligns with our mission of helping others through food.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to organisations like TKUP. Express your passion for their mission and how you can contribute to their café.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your social media game strong! Follow and engage with organisations you admire, including us at StudySmarter. It’s a great way to stay updated on opportunities and show your enthusiasm.
We think you need these skills to ace Food Lead / Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let us know why you love cooking and what fresh, high-quality food means to you. Share any experiences that highlight your passion for food and how it connects to our mission at TKUP.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your previous roles in fast-paced kitchens, especially as a breakfast chef. We want to see how your skills and experience align with the responsibilities of the Food Lead role, so don’t hold back!
Demonstrate Team Spirit:We’re all about teamwork here at TKUP, so mention any experiences where you’ve worked closely with others in a kitchen setting. Show us how you can contribute to a positive, can-do atmosphere in our café.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and get you one step closer to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Key Charity Bristol
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the menu items and ingredients you'll be working with. Be ready to discuss your experience with fresh, high-quality food and how you ensure consistency in presentation and taste.
✨Show Your Passion for Community
Understand TKUP's mission and values. Be prepared to share why you're passionate about helping individuals rebuild their lives and how your role as a Food Lead/Chef can contribute to that goal.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
Think of examples where you've successfully led a team in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Highlight your ability to stay calm under pressure and how you support your team during busy service periods.
✨Bring Ideas to the Table
Come prepared with some creative menu ideas or improvements for the café. This shows your initiative and willingness to contribute to the continuous improvement of the food offerings.
