Contract Type:Permanent Full Time Contract
Salary: £14 per hour
Job Description: Download
We’re looking for Lead Chef to join the Woodworks team on a full time basis.
Woodworks Café, part of the P&A Group of Companies, is looking for Café Lead Chef to lead and oversee the running of our award winning café.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated chef who enjoys working with fresh food, leading a team and delivering high-quality dishes in a fast-paced daytime café environment. With a strong reputation for quality and customer service, we’re looking for someone who takes pride in their work and can help drive standards even higher.
What will I be doing as Café Lead Chef?
You will lead the kitchen team to deliver an exceptional food offer and a positive customer experience, overseeing day-to-day kitchen operations, food quality, and compliance. You’ll support a team of kitchen staff and enjoy working effectively with our Front of House team to deliver great customer service.
Working hours:
- 5 hours per week
- 5 days out of 7 (including weekends)
- Typically 7:00am – 4:00pm
- Paid overtime may be available
Key Responsibilities for Café Lead Chef
- Prepare and deliver a menu of high-quality food in a timely manner
- Lead by example to ensure smooth kitchen operations, especially during busy service periods
- Work with the Café Manager to develop creative, cost-effective menus that attract and retain customers
- Work closely with Front of House to ensure every dish meets standards for taste, presentation and temperature
- Maintain full compliance with Food Hygiene, Health & Safety, and COSHH regulations
- Coach, support and develop kitchen team members, promoting a positive and respectful working culture
- Complete and maintain all kitchen records, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules and waste sheets
- Manage stock control, ordering and rotation (FIFO)
- Control food costs and minimise waste to meet budget targets
- Ensure the highest standards of cleanliness across all kitchen areas and equipment
What are we looking for in our Café Lead Chef?
Someone who combines strong culinary skills with leadership and organisation.
Essential
- NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cooking (or equivalent)
- Current Food Hygiene Certificate and Food Allergy Level 2
- Strong experience in a professional chef role or high-volume kitchen
- Excellent food preparation and presentation skills
- Strong time management and ability to multitask under pressure
- Meticulous approach to hygiene, quality and kitchen organisation
- Experience working collaboratively within a team
- Clear communication skills and a flexible, proactive attitude
- Reliable, accountable and calm during busy periods
- A strong understanding of customer expectations and service standards
Experience coaching and developing team members would be a bonus.
What can we offer to you – Café Lead Chef
- £14.00 per hour
- Employee healthcare cash plan (Medicash) including high street discounts (cinema, retail, gym membership etc.)
- 28 days holiday rising to 31 days with length of service
- Life assurance
- Discretionary profit share
- 40% discount off Zest garden furniture and decorative products
- 20% discount at Woodworks Garden Centre and Café
- Achievement and Long Service Awards
- Daytime working hours
- Company pension scheme
What next?
To apply please send your CV to Recruitment@p-a-group.com