Job Overview
New Start Highland is a dynamic and leading social enterprise which creates opportunities for transformation in people's lives. Over the past 25 years New Start Highland has delivered a wide range of social services to transform Highland lives. New Start Highland also operates several commercial services to generate income to finance its charitable activities, including a new Café at our Carsegate site. Our new community café aims to support young people aged 16–25 in developing key hospitality and life skills.
We are seeking an experienced Café Cook & Kitchen Supervisor to support the delivery of high-quality, hands-on training in a face-paced café kitchen environment, whilst also cooking café foods as required. You will play a vital role in supporting young people, many of whom face barriers to employment, to gain confidence, accredited qualifications, and real-world experience, to help them build independent, sustainable futures, whilst also successfully running a community café that generates sustainable income and growth.
Purpose of Post - To supervise the kitchen operations of our community café.
Accountable to - Café Manager
Working Relationships -
The post-holder will be required to develop effective and positive working relationships with all New Start Highland departments, colleagues and customers.
Key result area -
* To deliver a high quality, professional cafe service to meet departmental KPI's and New Start Highland quality standards.
* To deliver an excellent customer experience.
* To perform all duties of the post in a professional manner in line with New Start Highland culture and core values.
Main responsibilities
* To assist in ensuring that in all aspects of work, New Start Highland's values, policies and procedures are adhered to in a consistent manner.
* To maintain confidentiality.
* To liaise with staff, volunteers, service users and the general public in a courteous manner that promotes a positive image and upholds the company reputation.
* To always maintain safe systems of work ensuring quality of service and all relevant Health and Safety and hygiene regulations are consistently delivered.
* To communicate clearly and effectively with other members of the team and the general public.
Key Tasks
· Deliver practical training in food preparation duties including hygiene protocols, customer service, and cleanliness.
· Supervise and mentor young trainees during café shifts, providing daily guidance, encouragement, and structured feedback.
· Support young people to complete hospitality-related qualifications (e.g. SCQF, REHIS Customer Service/Hygiene).
· Ensure a warm, inclusive, and welcoming café environment for customers and trainees.
· Manage daily café operations including stock control, health and safety, and compliance.
· Oversee daily kitchen operations including cleanliness, customer flow, and service quality.
· Work collaboratively with front of house and support staff to create a seamless training and customer experience.
· Model trauma-informed and person-centred practice in all aspects of the role.
· Any other duties appropriate to post
Conditions
We are recruiting for 1 x full time and 1 x part time post (based on 40/hours for full time).
Hours to be worked flexibly to cover our café opening hours, which will be 7.30am to 4pm (Mon to Fri); 10am to 4pm (Sat & Sun).
There are 32 days annual leave per year inclusive of public holidays rising to 35 days after five years' service. There will be an opportunity to participate in a contributory pension scheme.
Core Skills and Competencies
Knowledge
Essential - Knowledge of customer service standards and health & hygiene regulations
Desirable - Relevant qualifications in hospitality, customer service, or training
Skills
Essential - Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to mentor and inspire young people.
* Passionate about youth development, inclusion, and social impact.
Desirable - SVQ in Professional Cookery, REHIS, or similar
Experience
Essential - Experience in hospitality or cafe setting.
* Previous experience of maintaining accurate records / documentation.
Desirable - Supervising and/or training experience.
Approach
Essential - Positive, patient, and adaptable, with excellent organisational skills.
* Ability to relate to people and form and develop constructive relationships at all levels.
* Ability to maintain good humour and remain focused under pressure.
* Solution Focused.
* Smart and presentable appearance.
* Team mind set.
* Good time keeping.
* Accountable and responsible.
* Initiative and common sense.
Other
This post is subject to Enhanced Disclosure "clearance" and Police Scotland checks.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: Up to £13.59 per hour
Work Location: In person
Reference ID: Café Cook & Kitchen Supervisor