Cafe jobs in North Shields

Job Overview
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!

Is This Role for You?

• Do you have experience working in a commercial restaurant, or cafe kitchen environment, preparing a variety of food under pressure?
• Do you enjoy cooking from scratch, experimenting with new ideas, and working in a fast-paced environment?
• Are you passionate about working within an organisation committed to ensuring everyone has the potential to believe, serve, inspire, and thrive?

If you answered yes, we want to hear from you!

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 will 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 our 5-star hygiene rating.
• Managing kitchen inventory effectively to minimise food waste and control costs.
• Working collaboratively with the 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 collaborative and dynamic role, it is essential that you have:

• Professional Qualifications: City & Guilds 706/1 and 706/2 or NVQ Level 2 equivalent in Professional Cookery, alongside 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: A 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 you feel this is the perfect opportunity to make a positive impact and you bring the expertise and values we’re looking for, please apply today 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).

The health, wellbeing and safety of our colleagues is of paramount importance, with this in mind, we have refreshed our approach to recruitment

YMCA North Tyneside is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst the workforce, we aim to be an equal opportunities employer and seek to create an inspiring and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and value inclusion and diversity, which we demonstrate through our activities, policies and working practices.

For more detailed information regarding our commitment to Safeguarding, Equal Opportunities, and the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders, please see our website - https://ymcanorthtyneside.org/work-for-us/

Pay: £13.45 per hour

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Gym membership

Work Location: In person