Community Café Cook

• Contract
• Type: Permanent
• Role
• Type: Employment

Hours: Full or Part time
Application deadline: Wednesday, August 26, 2026 - 21:00
Based: South Tyneside

• Salary
• Type: Fixed Salary

Job Description – Café Cook

• Job Title - Cook
• Location - Ocean Road Centre – South Shields – NE332DW

Ocean Road Centre is based in the heart of South Shields town centre which bring people from the community together for activities, social and learning.

Within the centre is a café which offers home cooked meals, scones and sandwiches but has the potential to offer more to a wider audience.

The Centre is looking for an experienced cook to take the café to the next level and support events within the centre.

Reports To - Trustees Hours 25 hours per week with flexibility of more. Weekday including weekday and weekend working.

Salary Salary to be negotiated. £14.00 phr to £18.00 phr depending on experience.

Job Purpose The Café Cook is responsible for preparing and serving high-quality food in a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen environment.

The role involves managing a friendly team to ensure customers receive fresh, delicious meals while maintaining excellent food hygiene and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present menu items to a consistently high standard.
• Assist in planning daily specials and seasonal menu items.
• Ensure all food is prepared in accordance with recipes, portion sizes, and presentation standards.
• Monitor food quality, freshness, stock rotation.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of the kitchen, equipment, and storage areas.
• Comply with all food hygiene, health and safety, and allergen regulations.
• Monitor stock levels and manage ordering of supplies.
• Receive and store deliveries correctly, ensuring food is stored safely.
• Minimise food waste and use ingredients efficiently.
• Monitoring profitability and margins.
• Monitoring financial performance.
• Work collaboratively with front-of-house staff to ensure excellent customer service.
• Assist with opening and closing kitchen procedures and financial security.
• Report any equipment faults or maintenance issues promptly.

Person Specification

Essential

• Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate.
• Previous experience working in a café, restaurant, or commercial kitchen.
• Knowledge of food hygiene and food safety regulations.
• Ability to work efficiently in a busy environment.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work as part of a team.
• Positive attitude and commitment to high standards.
• Experience of managing a café staff team.
• Experience preparing breakfasts, light lunches, sandwiches, and homemade baked goods.
• Knowledge of allergen management.
• Basic stock control and ordering experience.

Skills

• Food preparation and cooking.
• Kitchen organisation.
• Communication and teamwork.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Time management.
• Flexibility and willingness to assist where needed.

Health & Safety The Cook must

• Follow all food hygiene legislation and café procedures.
• Wear appropriate protective clothing.
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment.
• Report accidents, hazards, or equipment defects immediately.
• Follow allergen management procedures at all times.
• General Responsibilities
• Promote a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for customers.
• Represent the café professionally at all times.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role as requested by the Café Manager.
• Participate in training and development opportunities.
• Equal Opportunities

The café is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Applications are welcomed from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

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