Cook jobs in Pontefract

Kitchen Assistant / Chef (Full-Time) – 32-40 Hours / Week

Location: Leeds – Horsforth/ Seacroft /LS18 4QD/ LS14 1LU | Soft Play Café Environment

Working Pattern: 4- 5 days per week, including weekends (Approx. 9:00 am – 5:30 pm) between two sites

Salary: £13.50 per hour

Are you passionate about food and looking for a role that offers a great work-life balance, career growth, and a fun, supportive team?
We’re seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Kitchen Assistant / Chef to join our dynamic team at our vibrant Children's soft play Centre café in Seacroft/ Horsforth. ( www.thekidsplay.co.uk / www.kids-clubhouse.co.uk)In this role, you’ll be the key player in managing the kitchen operations solo, and you’ll have the freedom to shape the menu and make a real impact on the customer experience.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Leading the kitchen operation solo: You’ll be in charge of everything from prep to plating. We trust you to keep the kitchen running smoothly and efficiently.
• Maintaining food safety compliance: Keep the kitchen clean, follow food hygiene standards, manage allergens, and be ready for Environmental Health Officer (EHO) visits.
• Managing stock & orders: Stay on top of stock levels, rotate ingredients, and place orders when needed.
• Menu innovation: Contribute to redesigning the menu annually and help plan exciting monthly specials.
• Cooking & serving food: Prepare and serve both hot and cold dishes to our customers.
• Restocking and cleaning: Keep the kitchen organized during and after service.
• Barista duties: Make hot drinks to order (full barista training provided!).
• Customer engagement: You may be required to operate the till and serve customers in front of the house.

What We Offer:

• Daytime hours only - No late nights or split shifts!
• Clear career progression - We offer opportunities for training and growth within the company as we are the dominant player in our industry having 4 soft play centres - Seacroft, Horsforth, Wetherby and Harrogate.
• Supportive and fun team environment - Join a team that celebrates each other’s successes and works together to achieve goals.
• Training & development - Take part in business-funded training to advance your culinary skills and knowledge.
• Free uniform & meals - Enjoy a free meal and hot drinks on shift.
• 50% colleague discount - Save on products and services.
• On-site parking - Free parking for all team members.
• Team socials & events - Enjoy fun, team-building activities outside of work.

About You:

• Previous experience in a busy kitchen – You know your way around a kitchen and thrive under pressure.
• Positive, adaptable, and calm under pressure – You stay focused and get the job done.
• A team player – You work well with others and always give your best.
• Punctual & reliable – You are dependable and always show up on time.
• Customer-focused – You’re comfortable interacting with customers when needed and providing excellent service.

If you’re a passionate, dedicated chef or kitchen assistant who thrives in a fast-paced, fun environment and is eager to grow in your career, we’d love to hear from you! At our café, you’re not just another employee - you’re a valued member of a supportive team where your ideas and hard work will make a real difference.

Apply today and start your exciting journey with us! We can’t wait to meet you.

Pay: £13.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Application question(s):

• • How many years of experience do you have working in a kitchen? Please describe your main duties.
• • Do you hold any certifications in Food Hygiene or Allergen Awareness? (If yes, please specify)
• • Do you have a driver’s license? (Yes/No)

Work Location: In person