At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious meals while managing a friendly kitchen team.
- Company: Community-focused café in the heart of South Shields.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Join us to create tasty dishes and bring the community together.
- Qualifications: Experience in a café or restaurant and a Level 3 Food Safety Certificate.
The predicted salary is between 14 - 18 £ per hour.
- 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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Community Café Cook employer: VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East)
VONNE is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the community. With a supportive work culture, opportunities for professional development, and a focus on employee growth, working as a Dementia Care Navigator in Sunderland offers the chance to contribute to vital services while enjoying a fulfilling career. The organisation values innovation and collaboration, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered in their role.
Contact Details:
VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Café Cook
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East). It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East)
Don't be shy about reaching out to VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East) directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Café Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East) and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East)
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
