At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a community café, preparing simple food and serving customers in a welcoming environment.
- Company: Lochaber Hope Community Hub, a vibrant space focused on mental health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, training opportunities, and 34 days holiday per year.
- Other info: Part-time hours with fixed days, perfect for students or those seeking flexible work.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of a community hub, making a real difference while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience in food preparation and a friendly, approachable attitude.
The predicted salary is between 20800 - 22400 £ per year.
Location: Lochaber Hope Community Hub
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 28 hours per week. Monday to Thursday, 9:00am – 5pm. No evening shifts. Saturday work required from July.
Salary: £26,000–£28,000 FTE, depending on experience. Approx. £20,800-£22,400 per year based on 28 hours/week.
Reports to: Project Manager
Start date: As soon as possible
This is a hands-on role in a welcoming community environment, focused on simple, good-quality food and creating a space where people feel comfortable spending time. This is not just a front-of-house role — we are looking for someone enthusiastic, practical and motivated who enjoys taking initiative, preparing food, and helping shape and grow a café from the ground up as part of the wider Community Hub.
We hope for the Café Lead to start around a week before the café launch on 27th June 2026. This will give time to get familiar with the kitchen, storage and till systems, prepare some backup soups and freezer meals, and allow both the team and the successful candidate time to settle in and shape how the café runs together.
Role Responsibilities
- Preparing simple food including soups, toasties, sandwiches and baked potatoes
- Baking a small selection of cakes
- Serving customers in a friendly and welcoming way
- Making hot drinks (training provided if needed)
- Handling payments (card and cash)
- Setting up and closing the kitchen and café area each day
- Keeping the workspace clean and organised
- Monitoring stock and helping maintain simple systems
Requirements About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience preparing food in a practical setting (for example a café, kitchen, school or similar)
- Is confident cooking simple meals independently and managing their own prep
- Is organised, reliable and able to plan ahead for the day or week
- Is friendly, approachable and comfortable serving customers
- Is happy to move between kitchen prep and front-of-house
- Enjoys working in a community setting
You do not need to be a chef, but you should feel confident cooking simple food to a good standard and working on your own when needed.
Additional Information
This role is part of a community hub supporting mental health and wellbeing. The café is a simple, developing service, and the role may grow over time as we learn what works. To apply, please get in touch with a CV and a covering letter.
What We Offer
- A supportive team environment in a vibrant community space.
- The opportunity to be at the heart of a busy hub supporting local people and projects.
- Training and support, with scope to develop your role and contribute to new initiatives.
- Part-time hours with fixed days each week, offering good work–life balance.
- Holiday entitlement: 34 days per year pro rata (including public holidays) – equivalent to 21 days.
- PVG check required (employer will support this process).
Closing date for applications: Monday 8th June 2026. Please note: Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
Cafe lead – Community Hub (Permanent) in Eckington employer: West Highland Chamber
At Lochaber Hope Community Hub, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a supportive and vibrant work culture. As the Café Lead, you will play a crucial role in creating a welcoming space for the community while enjoying a good work-life balance with part-time hours and generous holiday entitlement. We offer training and growth opportunities, allowing you to shape the café experience and contribute to meaningful initiatives that support mental health and wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cafe lead – Community Hub (Permanent) in Eckington
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Before your interview, spend some time at the Lochaber Hope Community Hub. Chat with locals and staff to understand the vibe and what makes this place special. This will help you connect during your interview and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your cooking skills! If you can, bring a sample of your food prep or a recipe that highlights your ability to create simple, good-quality meals. This hands-on approach will demonstrate your passion for the role and give the interviewers a taste of what you can bring to the café.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! Since this role is all about working in a community setting, think of examples where you've collaborated with others. Share how you’ve contributed to a positive environment and how you can help shape the café as part of the wider hub.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to make it easy for you to join our team. When you submit your application, make sure to include a cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the role and how you align with our community values. Let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Cafe lead – Community Hub (Permanent) in Eckington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:When writing your cover letter, make it personal! Share why you're excited about the Café Lead role and how your experience aligns with our community-focused mission. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food preparation and customer service. We’re looking for someone who can manage kitchen prep and serve customers with a smile, so showcase those skills clearly!
Show Your Community Spirit:In your application, let us know how you connect with the community. We value candidates who are friendly and approachable, so share any experiences that demonstrate your passion for working in a community setting.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your CV and cover letter, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Highland Chamber
✨Know the Café and Community Hub
Before your interview, take some time to research Lochaber Hope Community Hub. Understand its mission, values, and the community it serves. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to the café's success.
✨Showcase Your Food Prep Skills
Since this role involves preparing simple meals, be ready to discuss your previous experience in food preparation. Bring examples of dishes you've made or talk about your favourite recipes. If you have any creative ideas for the café menu, share those too!
✨Emphasise Your Customer Service Experience
This position requires a friendly and approachable attitude when serving customers. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve created a welcoming environment or resolved customer issues effectively.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Teamwork
Working in a community hub means collaborating with others. Think of times when you've worked as part of a team, especially in a kitchen or café setting. Be prepared to explain how you can contribute to a positive team dynamic and support your colleagues in achieving shared goals.
