Jigsaw Cafe Lead Cook

Summary

• Contract: Full-time, Permanent. Subject to 6-month probation review
• Pay: £14 – 14.50 per hour
• Hours: 32hrs between 8:30AM-4:30PM, Monday- Friday
• Benefits: Discounted or Free Food, Free on-site parking
• Closing Date: 2nd October, 2026, 5pm
• Location: Langworthy Cornerstone, 451 Liverpool Street, Salford M6 5QQ

About Jigsaw Café

Jigsaw Café is part of Langworthy Cornerstone, a community-focused healthy living centre serving local residents and the wider community.

The café provides affordable food in a welcoming community environment and also provides opportunities for volunteers to develop practical skills and experience.

If you enjoy cooking, take pride in preparing good food and would like to develop your skills as part of a friendly community-focused team, we’d love to hear from you

About the role:

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Lead Cook to take the lead on food preparation and cooking at our Jigsaw Café.

This is a hands-on cooking role with responsibility for leading the café team. You will be actively involved in preparing and cooking food each day, while also overseeing Café Assistants and volunteers and helping to ensure the café operates safely, efficiently and to a high standard.

You will take responsibility for the day-to-day food operation of the café, including menu planning, food preparation, cooking, stock management, food safety and reducing food waste.

You will also provide direction and support to Café Assistants and volunteers, helping people develop practical skills and confidence in cooking, food preparation and café operations.

Jigsaw Café is part of Langworthy Cornerstone, a community-focused charity and healthy living centre in Salford. We are looking for someone who enjoys cooking, is confident taking responsibility and enjoys helping other people learn and develop.

kEY Responsibilities 

Cooking and food preparation

• Take the lead on the day-to-day preparation and cooking of food for the café.
• Prepare and cook a range of affordable, nutritious and appealing meals and snacks.
• Plan and develop the café menu alongside the wider team.
• Regularly review the menu and make suggestions for new dishes and improvements.
• Ensure food is prepared, cooked and presented to a good standard.
• Manage food preparation around café service and other activities taking place at Langworthy Cornerstone.
• Ensure dietary requirements and allergens are appropriately considered.
• Follow food hygiene, allergen and food safety procedures at all times.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe kitchen and food preparation area.
• Monitor portion sizes and minimise food waste.

Leading the team

• Provide day-to-day direction to Café Assistants and volunteers.
• Organise and allocate food preparation and kitchen tasks.
• Work alongside staff and volunteers and lead by example.
• Demonstrate good cooking and food preparation techniques.
• Support volunteers to develop practical cooking and kitchen skills.
• Help staff and volunteers build confidence and take on greater responsibility.
• Provide guidance and constructive feedback where appropriate.
• Create a positive, supportive and inclusive working environment.

Café operations

• Help oversee the smooth day-to-day operation of the café.
• Monitor food and kitchen stock levels and support ordering.
• Ensure deliveries are stored correctly and stock is rotated.
• Monitor food costs and help minimise unnecessary waste.
• Ensure cleaning schedules and food safety checks are completed.
• Support the team with café service when required.
• Deal appropriately with day-to-day issues and report significant concerns to the appropriate manager.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Langworthy Cornerstone.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone who is a confident and capable cook who can take responsibility for a kitchen and lead others.

You should have:

• Experience preparing and cooking food in a café, kitchen, catering or food service environment.
• Confidence preparing a range of meals and food items.
• Experience leading, supervising or supporting other staff or volunteers.
•  good understanding of food hygiene and safe food preparation.
• An understanding of allergens and dietary requirements.
• Good organisation and the ability to manage several tasks at once.
• The ability to work independently and take responsibility.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• A positive, approachable and reliable attitude.
• An interest in helping other people develop their practical skills.

Desirable

• Food Hygiene Level 2 qualification.
• Catering, cookery or another relevant food qualification.
• Experience developing or planning menus.
• Experience managing kitchen stock and ordering.
  Experience working with volunteers.
• Experience working in a community café, charity or similar setting.

Application Process: 

To apply, please email your completed application form, referencing ‘Lead Cook’ as the subject, to karen.dyson@langworthycornerstone.co.uk 

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE:  Friday, 2nd October at 5PM.

NB This post is subject to satisfactory references, DBS check, and proof of legal working in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996.