Are you a passionate chef who enjoys creating great food while making a real difference to people's lives?
StarBistro is looking for an enthusiastic Assistant Chef to support our Head Chef in delivering high-quality food across our restaurant, hospitality services, delivery service, and special events. This is a unique opportunity to combine your culinary skills with mentoring and supporting students with learning and physical disabilities who are completing work placements within a busy commercial kitchen environment.
As Assistant Chef, you will help prepare, cook and present fresh, high-quality dishes while maintaining excellent food hygiene and health and safety standards. You will also play an important role in supporting and mentoring students, helping them develop confidence, workplace skills and independence through practical kitchen activities.
Working closely with the Head Chef and wider team, you will contribute to menu development, stock control, event catering and the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen.
This is a part time role working 16 hours a week on Mondays and Tuesday from 7 am - 3.30 pm (30 mins unpaid lunchbreak)
We are seeking someone who has:
*Previous experience as an Assistant Chef, Second Chef or similar role
*A recognised catering qualification (NVQ Level 2, City & Guilds or equivalent)
*Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate
*Strong cooking skills with a passion for fresh, seasonal food
*Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
*A positive, flexible and team-focused approach
*Confidence using basic Microsoft Office applications
*Experience supporting, mentoring or training others, particularly young people or individuals with disabilities, would be advantageous.
Why Join Us?
This is more than a chef role. You'll have the opportunity to help students gain valuable workplace skills while working in a supportive and rewarding environment. You'll be part of a team that is passionate about food, inclusion and making a positive impact every day.
The role requires flexibility to support evening and weekend events when required. National Star is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks.
If you're an energetic and dedicated chef who wants to use your skills to make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.
Contract Type: Permanent | Contract: Part time (16 hours per week) 52 weeks | Salary: £13.84 per hour | Location Status: On site (Ullenwood) | Interview Date: TBC | Closing Date: 15/10/2026
Mission Statement:
To enable people with disabilities to realise their potential through personalised learning, transition & lifestyle services.
National Star is a charity working with people with severe disabilities and acquired brain injuries. All have complex physical learning disabilities and face many challenges.
But with our support they access opportunities which improve their life chances and enhance their quality of life. We give them the skills they need to lead independent lives.
We focus on what they can do rather than what they can't do, and with your support we can make a huge difference to their lives.
