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- Tasks: Prepare and cook delicious, seasonal food while leading a friendly café team.
- Company: Join Perennial, a charity dedicated to supporting horticulturists in need.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a beautiful environment while promoting health through food.
- Qualifications: Experience in food service, customer service skills, and knowledge of food hygiene required.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant café overlooking a stunning Mediterranean garden.
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.
We are now seeking a Chef / Assistant Catering Manager to join our growing York Gate team on a permanent, full-time basis, working 37.5 hours per week, Wednesday to Sunday and on Bank Holidays.
Benefits
- Salary of circa £27,000 per annum, dependent on experience
- 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays
- Pension: matching contributions up to 7%
- Sick Pay
- Death in Service Benefit (3 × salary)
- Family-friendly policies, including ‘buying’ extra (unpaid) leave or time off for dependants
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. 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.
Additionally, you will:
- 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.
Webrecruit and Perennial are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.
So, if you think you would be a good fit as our Chef / Assistant Catering Manager, please apply via the button shown.
Chef / Assistant Catering Manager in Leeds employer: Webrecruit (Client Branded)
Contact Detail:
Webrecruit (Client Branded) 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! Research Perennial and York Gate, their mission, and what they stand for. This will help you tailor your conversation during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with people in the horticulture and catering industry on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have insider info or could put in a good word for you at Perennial.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to food hygiene, customer service, and teamwork. Think about examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills and how they align with the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining 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 passion for creating delicious, healthy meals, especially in a café setting.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your previous roles in the food service industry. We want to see your skills in food preparation, customer service, and any experience with dietary requirements or food hygiene standards.
Be Personable: Since we’re all about providing a welcoming experience, don’t hesitate to show your personality in your application. A friendly tone can go a long way in making your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at York Gate.
How to prepare for a job interview at Webrecruit (Client Branded)
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with seasonal produce and local suppliers. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate fresh ingredients into the menu, as this aligns with the café's focus on quality and health.
✨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.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Brush up on the Food Standards Agency requirements and be prepared to discuss your knowledge of food hygiene and safety regulations. Mention any relevant certifications, like your Level 2 food hygiene certificate.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since you'll be working closely with a team and volunteers, think of examples that showcase your teamwork skills. Discuss how you’ve supported colleagues in past roles and contributed to a positive work environment.
