Catering Manager

Opening in early 2026, Base71 Youth Zone is an ambitious new £10 million facility designed to transform the lives of young people in Barnsley. Open seven days a week, it will offer a wide range of high-quality, inspiring activities in a safe, welcoming, and purpose-built environment.

Base71 is part of the national OnSide network, which empowers young people across the UK through world-class youth work and inclusive opportunities.

The Opportunity:

Do you have a passion for food, community, and creating welcoming spaces for young people? At Base71 Youth Zone, opening in 2026, we’re looking for a Catering Manager to lead our café – the beating heart of our brand-new £10 million Youth Zone in Barnsley.

Our café isn’t just about meals – it’s about building connections, providing affordable, healthy food, and creating a second home for young people aged 8–19 (and up to 25 for those with additional needs).

You’ll bring creativity, organisation, and leadership to ensure our café is warm, inviting, and inclusive – a place young people want to return to again and again.

What you’ll do:

• Lead the catering provision, making the café an integral part of the Youth Zone experience.
• Plan, prepare, and cook inspiring, healthy, and affordable dishes (meals for just £1).
• Manage stock, budgets, and menus – ensuring sustainability and minimal waste.
• Supervise and support catering staff and volunteers, including rotas and training.
• Build links with local suppliers and food banks to source fresh, affordable produce.
• Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene, safety, and cleanliness.
• Serve young people with warmth, positivity, and a focus on great customer service.
• Champion inclusion and support volunteers in developing their skills.

What you’ll bring:

• Experience working at a senior level within catering.
• Strong skills in menu planning, food preparation, and stock/budget control.
• Ability to manage and motivate a small team of staff and volunteers.
• A repertoire of affordable, nutritious meals that appeal to young people.
• Advanced Food Hygiene Certificate (essential).
• NVQ Level 3 Catering or equivalent qualification (desirable).
• A positive, engaging approach, with the ability to build relationships with young people.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and a commitment to inclusion (training provided).

How to apply:

Please include the following information in your cover letter:

• Why do you want to work for us?
• Looking at the person specification, briefly describe how your skills and experience (including any lived experience) make you a good candidate for this role. (200 words max)
• How you demonstrate your commitment to fairness, equity and respect.
• Confirmation you are eligible to work in the UK (the successful candidate will be required to provide documentary evidence before a job offer confirmed).
• Any reasonable adjustments we can make to assist you in your application or the selection process.
• This role will be based in the Youth Zone and therefore require an Enhanced DBS.
• Do you have any unspent conditional cautions or convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974?
• Do you have any adult cautions (simple or conditional) or spent convictions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974