Seasonal Chocolate Assistant – York Cocoa Works
Location – York Cocoa Works, Parliament Street c/o Castlegate, York YO1
Job Type – Full Time & Part Time available
Salary - £ £12.85 per hour age dependant
York Cocoa House is an independent chocolate maker based in the heart of York, celebrating York's chocolate making heritage and working with unique cocoa origins from around the world to craft award-winning and innovative, fine chocolate.
The business primarily operates from our manufacturing, learning and visitor hub – York Cocoa Works, with a growing online, wholesale and offsite event, training and innovation services.
We are extremely proud to be one of a small number of British chocolate makers crafting sustainable chocolate in the UK & as such we are delighted to welcome chocolate enthusiasts and professionals to join us from around the world to learn and engage with the chocolate making process.
We are looking for passionate chocolate lovers to support our retail outlet at York's St Nick's Christmas Fayre being responsible for on-site hospitality and retail at the most wonderful time of the year.
You will help to co-ordinate to ensure a smooth daily operation. This will include planning and ordering retail requirements, making and serving excellent hot chocolates.
York Cocoa Works is a busy visitor facility with activities running at weekends and peak holiday periods. A flexible approach is required to meet demands during the holiday season and to respond constructively to demand fluctuations.
Role Overview
You will work alongside our team of manufacturing, education and hospitality professionals to lead and deliver an outstanding visitor experience.
The Christmas market begins on Thursday 13th November, with a set up day on Wednesday 12th November. The market is open daily until Sunday 21st December 2025, between 10:00am until 7pm.
A typical shift is between 9:30-20:00 and you will be working in one of the wooden chalets in the centre of the busy Christmas market. You will be working outdoors and undercover for the duration of the market.
We will be offering our speciality hot chocolates as well as a range of our retail products.
This role is available as a temporary contract, with full time or part time hours. You should be available on weekends and the last day of the contract will be Sunday 21st December.
Your responsibilities will include;
* Helping to create an outstanding visitor experience to engage chocolate enthusiasts and loyal repeat custom.
* Delivering excellent product knowledge and customer service.
* Complying with Food Safety and Health and Safety legislation.
* Responsibilities including cash handling and security of the premises.
Person Specification:
The successful candidate will have previous experience working in similar hospitality establishments. You must be flexible, enthusiastic, an excellent team player and be able to problem solve. You will deliver excellent customer service at all times and be personable.
Required Skills and Attributes:
* Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise in a dynamic customer facing environment.
* Able to effectively communicate with a team, customers and suppliers.
* Works well under pressure.
* IT/Computer literate.
* Able to use their own initiative, with a flexible positive attitude and bring energy and enthusiasm to the role.
* Self-motivated with good interpersonal skills.
* Excellent time management and ability to problem solve.
* Passionate about chocolate and the promotion of independent food manufacturing businesses.
* Experienced in delivering exceptional customer service in the food and drink sector.
* Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practice.
Experience:
* Barista trained – 1 year (desirable)
Good to know
We are a small, devoted and friendly team and we are looking for a like-minded individual to join us during an exciting period of development and growth.
We offer a competitive salary, an inclusive and supportive work environment, and the opportunity to work with a team of talented and dedicated professionals.
We work with unique cocoa origins to create traceable, sustainable and fairer chocolate products. In your role you will support the development and delivery of a cocoa quality standard that helps create sustainable cocoa supply chains outside of the world of commodity goods. You will be supported in the development of industry leading knowledge and training for the delivery of this role.
If you think you have the skills we are looking for, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
Benefits
* Great hourly rate, based on experience
* The opportunity to work for a passionate business with career opportunities
* Comprehensive training in our standards and cocoa and chocolate training
* Staff discount
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: £ £12.85 per hour
Schedule:
* 10 hour shift
* Day shift
* Weekend availability
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary contract
Contract length: 2 months
Salary: £10.50-£12.85 per hour
Expected hours: 25 – 40 per week
Benefits:
* Employee discount
* Store discount
Schedule:
* Every weekend
* Monday to Friday
* Weekend availability
Ability to commute/relocate:
* York: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
* GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
* Retail sales: 1 year (preferred)
* customer service: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
* Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 15/10/2025
Expected start date: 3/11/2025
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary
Contract length: 2 months
Pay: £10.50-£12.85 per hour
Expected hours: 25 – 40 per week
Benefits:
* Employee discount
Work Location: In person