Café Manager and Chef
Who We Are
People First is an independent customer-led charitable organisation that has worked in Cumbria for over 35 years.
We are passionate about our values of equality, respect and inclusion. We provide a wide range of support and information services across Cumbria, Lancashire and the North East, all aimed at helping people to live informed, respected, healthy and fulfilled lives.
Purpose of Job
As Café Manager/Chef, you will lead our new Workington Café Team to create and maintain a welcoming, inclusive and high-quality hospitality experience for everyone who visits our new People First Café in Workington.
A People First Café is a unique place that brings together excellent hospitality and hands-on work experience for people with learning disabilities. Each of our spaces follows a coaching model where our staff work side-by-side with people with learning disabilities; sharing skills and mentorship to deliver an excellent service whilst developing work-ready skills.
For over 10 years we have grown our network of hospitality social enterprises. Beginning with our Conference Centre in Carlisle, more recently expanding to our café in Carlisle and now our new venture in Workington; we are proud to do hospitality differently.
This role is an important one that will both oversee the day-to-day running of our new café and the development and hands on cooking of our hearty menu. You will ensure that we remain fully compliant with all relevant legislation, that we maintain the best standards of food hygiene and that we continue to provide the highest quality of food, drink and learning.
This is a unique role for someone who enjoys hospitality but is also passionate about helping others to develop their skills and potential.
The Department: A Café with a Difference
As we’ve described above, we’re very excited to be launching our new café in the heart of Workington’s Harbour, with a planned opening date of in November 2026.
Located within Harbour Place, Riverside's new supported living development, the café will provide a welcoming space for residents, visitors, local workers and the wider community to enjoy freshly prepared food and drink.
With initial opening hours of 8:30-1pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the café will serve a range of hot and cold meals, snacks and refreshments in a modern and welcoming environment. The project has been designed to create meaningful learning and employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities and other disabilities across West Cumbria.
As Café Manager/Chef, you will play a key role in shaping the culture and reputation of this exciting new venture. You will lead a team that combines outstanding hospitality with learning and development opportunities, ensuring customers receive excellent food and service whilst learners develop confidence, skills and workplace experience.
This is a unique opportunity to help establish a new social enterprise from the ground up, creating a café that becomes known not only for delicious food and excellent customer service, but also for its positive impact within the local community.
The Person
You must believe in People First's values of inclusion, fairness and kindness and be committed to creating opportunities for people with learning disabilities.
The successful candidate will have experience working in hospitality and food preparation and be confident managing day-to-day kitchen and café operations.
You’ll have experience and confidence managing people in hospitality teams, you’ll be comfortable ensuring that high standards are consistently followed and you’ll be confident to identify ways that our service can be improved and excited to implement them.
You will be organised, approachable and able to lead by example. You'll enjoy supporting others to learn and develop whilst maintaining high standards of food quality, customer service and safety.
Our successful candidate will be approachable and able to facilitate the learning of others. You will need to be passionate about providing opportunities and support to others who are learning to work in the hospitality industry.
You will be able to work with other people who support our learners such as parents and carers and take part in regular reviews to monitor progress.
Ultimately, you'll be someone who can balance operational responsibility with a passion for helping people achieve their goals.
Qualifications
- Relevant food preparation, catering or hospitality qualifications and/or experience.
- Level 3 Food Hygiene certification or a willingness and ability to achieve this during induction
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
- Experience working within hospitality, catering or food service
- Experience supervising or leading a team
- Experience preparing menus and cooking a variety of dishes
- Strong understanding of food hygiene and safety requirements
- Experience managing stock, ordering and food costs
- Strong organisational skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to support and encourage people with learning disabilities
- Positive and proactive approach
- Ability to maintain high standards in a busy environment
Duties Will Include
- Leading the day-to-day operation of the café
- Preparing food and cooking on a daily basis
- Developing menus and seasonal offers
- Supervising and supporting team members and learners
- Ensuring compliance with food safety, hygiene and health and safety requirements
- Managing stock ordering and stock control
- Monitoring quality standards and customer satisfaction
- Supporting learners to gain practical hospitality and catering experience
- Developing a positive and inclusive team culture
- Ensuring excellent cleanliness and presentation standards throughout the café
Other Duties
- The duties outlined above are not intended to be exhaustive and may change as the needs of the organisation alter in line with current agendas.
- Due to the developing nature of our organisation, we require staff to remain highly flexible in their approach and work to meet the changing needs of projects.
For more information
If you’d like any further information about the role or if you have any questions, please contact our Assistant Director of Development and Innovation: [email protected]
To apply
If you’re interested in the role and think you’d be a good fit, we’d like to hear from you.
To apply for this position, please email a copy of your CV (including two references) and a one-page description of why you’d be a good fit for the role to [email protected] or alternatively, you can post for the attention of Barry to People First Conference Centre, Milbourne Street, Carlisle, CA2 5XB
All applications should be clearly marked: Confidential - Café Manager/Chef
To arrive no later than 5.00 pm on 1st October 2026 (this date may change depending on the volume of applications).