At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook delicious homemade meals for our Cafe and Nursery.
- Company: Join the YMCA North Tyneside catering team in a vibrant community setting.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, job share opportunities, and a chance to make a positive impact.
- Other info: Embrace sustainability and reduce food waste in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Cook from scratch and bring people together through wholesome meals.
- Qualifications: Professional cookery qualifications and experience in large-scale meal prep.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
Hours: 25 hours per week (mainly Wednesday‑Friday between 08:30 am and 05:30 pm)
Contract: Permanent Job Share (flexibility required during periods of annual leave)
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated individual to join our catering team as a Kitchen Cook located at YMCA North Tyneside (primary location: North Shields). This is a rewarding job‑share position where you will play a vital role in providing wholesome, homemade meals that bring our community together. If you love cooking from scratch and want to make a positive impact, we encourage you to apply!
What Will You Be Doing?
As a Kitchen Cook, you will be hands‑on in the preparation and delivery of high‑quality food for both our Cafe and Nursery kitchen services. Your main responsibilities include:
- Preparing and cooking homemade cafe dishes, baked goods, buffet‑style options, and nutritious, child‑friendly meals.
- Collaborating with the Nursery Manager and Cafe team to plan cost‑effective, sustainable menus that meet children’s nutritional needs and customer demand.
- Strictly adhering to all food allergens, dietary requirements, and safe food handling procedures to maintain a 5‑star hygiene rating.
- Managing kitchen inventory effectively to minimise food waste and control costs.
- Working collaboratively with other Kitchen Cook, cafe staff, and nursery teams to ensure smooth and timely service.
What Skills and Experience Do You Need?
To be successful in this rewarding role, it is essential that you have:
- Professional Qualifications: City & Guilds 706/1 and 706/2 or NVQ Level 2 equivalent in Professional Cookery, and a Level 2 Food Safety Certification (or a willingness to complete one).
- Catering Experience: Proven experience in a similar kitchen environment, including large‑scale meal preparation (e.g., school lunches, buffets, or external catering).
- Dietary & Allergen Awareness: Strong understanding of food allergens and experience catering to specific dietary guidelines, particularly for young children.
- Workplace Skills: Strong organisational and multitasking abilities, keen attention to detail, and a passion for sustainability and reducing food waste.
Ready to Apply?
If this is the perfect opportunity for you, please click here to apply and start your journey with YMCA North Tyneside!
Please note: This post requires proof of right to work in the UK, satisfactory references, and a satisfactory enhanced DBS Disclosure (the cost of which will be met by the employer).
YMCA North Tyneside is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity among the workforce. We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and create an inspiring, inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and value inclusion and diversity through our activities, policies, and working practices.
Kitchen Cook (Part Time) Church Way Date Listed: 04.06.26 in North Shields employer: YMCA North Tyneside
YMCA North Tyneside is an excellent employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive. With a focus on employee growth and development, we offer flexible working hours and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community through wholesome, homemade meals. Join us in our mission to create a positive environment where diversity is celebrated and every team member's contribution is valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Cook (Part Time) Church Way Date Listed: 04.06.26 in North Shields
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at YMCA North Tyneside and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Cook (Part Time) Church Way Date Listed: 04.06.26 in North Shields
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at YMCA North Tyneside that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at YMCA North Tyneside.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at YMCA North Tyneside get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA North Tyneside
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at YMCA North Tyneside and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
