Vacancy Reference Number:
OKMC/PR/UK-R1
Position title:
The Open Kitchen Manchester Coordinator
Reports to:
UK Programmes Manager
Location:
Manchester
Hours of Work:
Full-time, 35 hours per week
Salary guideline:
(Up to) £35,500.00 per annum (commensurate with experience)
Terms of Employment:
6-Months’ Fixed-Term Contract (with a 3-Month Probationary Period)
Application Process & Closing Date:
Send an up to date CV and supporting Covering Letter by Email by no later than 12th February 2026
Approx. Interview & Role Commencement Date(s):
Interviews: As Suitable Applications Received
Start: ASAP thereafter
Note: Strong Applicants may be contacted sooner, ahead of the closing date.
Role: Open Kitchen Coordinator
About the Project
The Open Kitchen is a community-led initiative tackling food poverty and social isolation across the UK. Our kitchens, based in Hounslow (London), Nottingham, and Manchester, provide free, hot, and nutritious meals to individuals and families affected by homelessness, low income, or displacement as refugees.
Operating seven days a week, the Open Kitchen offers more than just food it provides a safe, welcoming space where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Each kitchen also serves as a community support hub, distributing essential household items and sleeping bags to those in need.
Through this initiative, we aim not only to alleviate hunger but also to connect service users with pathways to stability, empowerment, and independence.
Key Responsibilities
As part of the Open Kitchen project team, the role will involve ensuring the smooth, safe, and impactful operation of Open Kitchen Manchester. Responsibilities include:
Operational Management
* Oversee day-to-day activities within Open Kitchen Manchester, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals.
* Supervise and observe the cooking facility in the Manchester Open Kitchen, ensuring compliance with hygiene, health, and safety regulations.
* Manage food inventory, kitchen supplies, and procurement processes to ensure sustainability and efficiency.
* Ensure all food standards are followed.
Volunteer Coordination
* Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers to ensure effective service delivery and adherence to health and safety standards.
* Promote a positive and inclusive volunteer culture that reflects the values of compassion, respect, and community service.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
* Build and maintain partnerships with local food banks, the NHS, job centres, local councils, and rehousing services to offer holistic support to service users.
* Collaborate with community organisations, faith groups, and local businesses to strengthen the project’s reach and impact.
· Collaborating with strategic partners to drive the expansion of the open kitchen concept across multiple locations.
· Leading fundraising initiatives for the open kitchen and managing the facilitation of in-kind donations.
* Represent the Open Kitchen at community events and stakeholder meetings to promote collaboration and visibility.
Beneficiary Support
* Identify service users who may benefit from additional assistance, including access to healthcare, employment, housing, or welfare services.
* Coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure referrals and follow-ups are managed effectively.
Monitoring and Reporting
* Ensure all operational, financial, and compliance records are maintained accurately.
* Monitor performance indicators such as meals served, volunteer hours, and beneficiary outcomes, and report regularly to the management team.
* Support the continuous improvement of service quality and community impact.
* Create and provide daily Open kitchen feedback reports to monitor beneficiary numbers and meal distributions.
What We're Looking For
* A genuine commitment to serving vulnerable and destitute individuals with care and respect.
* Right to work in the UK and a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check, completed before starting the role.
* Warm interpersonal skills, comfortable engaging with people from all walks of life.
* A dependable, team-oriented attitude and availability for weekend shifts.
Why Join Us?
As part of the Muslim Hands family, you’ll help create a place of warmth and friendship for those in need. Your presence will extend beyond service, contributing to a deeper mission of compassion, respect, and community uplift.
If you’d like to support others and be part of something truly special, we’d be honoured to receive your application.
NB: This Job Description is illustrative and non-exhaustive in scope. The post-holder may be required to undertake any reasonable tasks as and when required by Line Manager from time to time to reflect the changing needs of the Organisation.