Relief Chef

About Loaf Catering We are Loaf Catering, we are a social enterprise supporting people with learning difficulties and autism into jobs with a future.

The Role We are seeking a Chef to provide short term chef cover and support the day to day operation of the kitchen, ensuring high standards of food preparation, food safety, hygiene, and customer service are maintained. This role is a temporary relief position to provide absence and is expected to last initially an initial 1 to 2 month period, although this may be extended depending on operational needs.

Key Responsibilities Prepare and cook meals in line with menus, recipes, and quality standards. Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations. Provide guidance and support to NOW Group participants on placement, helping them develop skills, confidence and positive workplace behaviours. Maintain a clean, safe, and organised kitchen environment. Monitor stock levels and report ordering requirements to the manager.

Follow allergen management procedures and dietary requirements. Work collaboratively with kitchen and front-of-house colleagues. Support the efficient delivery of catering services during staff absence. Assist with cleaning, food storage, and kitchen record-keeping as required. This job description is not definitive and may be subject to review as the duties and responsibilities determine.

What We Offer We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, work-life balance, and financial security About

The Role Additional Information Employment is subject to an Enhanced AccessNI Disclosure Check. NOW Group is committed to fair recruitment practices. Policies on safeguarding, recruitment of ex-offenders, and data protection are available upon request. Join NOW Group and be part of a team that makes a difference by transforming lives and creating brighter futures. Required Criteria
1. Previous experience working as a chef or cook in a commercial kitchen.
2. Knowledge of food hygiene and food safety requirements.
3. Ability to work independently and manage kitchen operations.
4. Flexible and reliable with a positive approach to work. Desired Criteria
1. Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above). 2. Experience working in a café, restaurant, or catering environment.
3. Experience working with people with barriers to learning. Skills Needed About The Company At the heart of the NOW Groups mission is its commitment to empowering individuals to gain skills and access meaningful employment. It achieves this through tailored employment academies, which provide participants with industry-specific training and work placements, and through their social enterprise businesses Loaf Catering and Cafes and Loaf Pottery.

One of the best-known contributions from the NOW Group is the JAM (Just A Minute) Card
-a tool that allows people with invisible disabilities to discreetly ask for patience in everyday interactions. Its a very successful initiative with over 182,500 users and 3, 000 global organisations regarded as being JAM Card Friendly. The NOW Groups impact is driven by innovation, dedication, and an unwavering focus on changing lives for the better. Company Culture At NOW Group, our culture is what sets us apart.

Its built on collaboration, compassion, and a shared belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. Across our integrated team from Training and Employment to Family Service, JAM Card, Loaf Cafés, Catering and Pottery, Social Groups, and vital support services like HR, Communications, Finance and Compliance we are united by one purpose: to support people with learning difficulties, neurodiverse conditions, ADHD and autism into sustainable employment.

We dont just…