Kitchen Assistant

JOB for immediate start.
- TO WORK AT Tees Barrage
- PLEASE DO NOT APPLY UNLESS YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE or are a CAPABLE COOK and can do everything within the job description.
- TRAINING will be given to ensure you follow our systems and procedures.
- Cafe cook required to work min of 16hrs per week per week (daytime) leading food service. A
- MUST be able to work school holidays and some weekends.
- MUST be able to make homemade scones and quiche.
- MUST be able to handle several food orders at once as the kitchen is busy.
- You will be responsible for setting up on a morning/preparing breakfasts.
- You will be responsible for opening and closing the cafe.
- You will be responsible for checking stock levels and sending a list to the owner.
- Role WILL include weekend shifts. Working days 7 hours approx.. Can discuss working 16 hrs if preferred. The shifts will be on a rota and you must be able to work as a team and swap with other members of staff.
- Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day so these are guaranteed days off.
- Brilliant, enthusiastic team and beautiful location in all venues.
- Cafes opening hrs vary but are only open during the day apart from some weekend Ice hockey games.

**Cook’s Cafe**

Cook’s Café was established in 2017 when it occupied the cafe space upstairs in the museum in Stewart Park. We have established a brilliant reputation over the past 7 years, and pride ourselves on offering delicious fresh food with a friendly service. We now have four sites across Teesside. We are looking a few cooks to help lead the kitchen in all of our sites and build on our already great reputation. Covers vary across the different sites and can be discussed at interview stage.

**THE ROLE**
- Leading a busy kitchen while keeping calm under pressure.
- Preparing top notch breakfasts for the cafe, lunches and afternoon teas to specification.
- Mentoring and motivating assistants to help you in your role.
- Monitoring and preparing everything you require for a busy shift, leaving the required prep for the following day and cleaning down the kitchen.
- Baking experience and the ability to make great scones would be a bonus (but not essential)
- Keeping the kitchen immaculate and labelling, rotating and monitoring stock levels.
- Monitoring waste, portion control, and using ingredients to full potential.
- Cashing up the till at the end of the day.

You will
- Be experienced in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Be confident with breakfast service, with an eye for detail and great presentation.
- Have a basic understanding of costs, budgeting, stock-control and ordering.
- Be super-organised, clean and tidy with experience in food hygiene, kitchen management and a great understanding of allergens and ingredients.
- Be great with communication, with an upbeat attitude and the ability to work well and be proactive within the team.
- Be flexible and prepared to help out where necessary, i.e. with close-down, pot wash and front of house if you have relevant experience.
- Hold a level 2 Food Hygiene & Safety Certificate - this will be paid for if you do not hold one.

Food will include afternoon teas, soups, salads, chips, quiches, toasties etc. Although the menu is already in place there is scope to add input, come up with 'specials' and perfect dishes.

**WHAT WE CAN OFFER**
- £11.44 per hour, plus tips.
- Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day so these are guaranteed days off. May change slightly depending on the site.
- You will need a flexible approach to hours as the seasons/days demand, however we are also flexible and always try to give time off/early finishes when needed.
- Free meal on duty (when working 8+ hrs)
- You will need to be able to work school holidays as these are our busiest periods.

Own transport desirable but not **essential - however you must be able to get to each site.**

**Job Types**: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: From £12.21 per hour

**Benefits**:

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

Application question(s):

- Have you had experience cooking in a busy kitchen or similar environment?

**Education**:

- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)

**Experience**:

- Cooking: 1 year (preferred)

**Language**:

- English (required)

Licence/Certification:

- Health and Hygiene Certificate (preferred)

Work authorisation:

- United Kingdom (required)

Willingness to travel:

- 25% (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 14/02/2025
Reference ID: COOK Barrage January 25
Expected start date: 27/07/2025