Community chef jobs

Help lead the next chapter of an award-winning, volunteer-powered environmental charity

As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary, Shrewsbury Food Hub is looking for an inclusive, practical and strategically minded Executive Director to lead us through the next phase of our development.

We have a simple vision: a community where food is valued and not wasted.

Founded in 2016, we rescue surplus food seven days a week from local suppliers and redistribute it through charities, community groups, schools and Foodshares. In the year to March 2026 alone, we rescued more than 270 tonnes of food, with our work reaching an estimated 4,000 people every week across Shrewsbury and the surrounding area.

We have also developed a growing programme of community cooking, bringing people together to build skills and confidence, share food and strengthen community – while ensuring that good food does not go to waste.

The opportunity

Shrewsbury Food Hub has grown significantly over the past decade. Our next Executive Director will help us build on that success while strengthening the foundations beneath it.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead an established and much-loved local charity through a period of organisational development: bringing greater clarity, focus, structure and resilience while protecting the energy, relationships and community spirit that make the Hub special.

The Board is committed to focusing increasingly on governance and delegating day-to-day leadership and management to the Executive Director. You will have the authority and responsibility to lead the organisation, work closely with our Senior Leadership Team and create the conditions in which staff and volunteers can perform at their best.

This is not a figurehead role. We need an Executive Director who can see the bigger picture, make difficult choices and turn strategy into practical action – someone equally comfortable around the Board table and spending time with the staff, volunteers and partners who make our work possible.

This role is largely based in Shrewsbury, with some home working possible. This is a strongly place-based role requiring a regular and visible on-site presence.

What you will lead

Working with the Board, staff, volunteers and partners, you will:

• Lead the development and delivery of a clear, focused and financially sustainable strategy.
• Strengthen our structures, systems, processes and ways of working, leading organisational change with clarity and sensitivity.
• Provide overall leadership for safe, reliable and effective operations and organisational risk.
• Build an inclusive, enabling and accountable culture, supporting and developing our Senior Leadership Team and wider community of staff and volunteers.
• Oversee financial sustainability and the development of a strong, balanced income base.
• Build trusted relationships with funders, suppliers, businesses, local authorities and community partners, acting as a visible and credible ambassador for the Hub.

Please see the full Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

Who are we looking for?

You will bring successful senior leadership experience from a charity, social enterprise, public service or other purpose-led organisation, together with experience of shaping strategy, leading change and turning plans into results.

You will be financially astute, pragmatic and comfortable creating clarity in a busy organisation. Above all, you will be a genuine people leader: emotionally intelligent, approachable and able to build trust across a diverse community of staff, volunteers, trustees, founders and partners.

We don't expect our new Executive Director to be a specialist in everything. You may bring particular depth in operational and organisational leadership or in income generation, fundraising and external development. What matters is that you have credible experience of the other and the leadership ability to bring different expertise together.

Previous Executive Director experience is welcome, but is not essential.

Our values

We want our new Executive Director to share our commitment to reducing food waste and strengthening our community, and to lead in a way that reflects our values:

Passion – Accountability – Inclusiveness – Integrity – Caring – Resilience

These values shape not only what we do, but how we work together. We are looking for a leader who enables others to succeed, listens to different perspectives, acts with integrity and empathy, and remains purposeful and constructive through change.

Our ambitions remain firmly rooted in place. We believe there is significant potential to deepen our environmental and social impact across Shrewsbury and Shropshire, rather than becoming a national organisation.

How to apply:

Please submit your CV and a covering letter of no more than three pages, outlining your suitability for the role, by 5pm on Friday 25 September 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to visit Shrewsbury Food Hub on Monday 5 October 2026, providing an opportunity to meet the team, see the Hub in action and gain a deeper understanding of the organisation ahead of formal interviews.

Shrewsbury Food Hub values the strength that comes from different experiences and perspectives. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and are committed to a fair and accessible recruitment process.

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This is an exciting new opportunity to help empower young people aged 8–16 to take action, build confidence and develop new skills through our youth-led programmes in schools.

The Programmes Executive will play a key role in supporting our community of primary and secondary schools throughout the school year. You will help design and deliver Bite Back in Schools, ensuring a positive and engaging experience for young people, their teachers and their schools whilst making sure the programme achieves meaningful impact.

Alongside day-to-day programme delivery, you will contribute to a range of initiatives across the organisation, including supporting an exciting collaboration with the School Food Project and helping to coordinate and support wider organisational events such as our youth residentials.

This role would suit someone who enjoys working with young people, is proactive and adaptable, and is ready to learn and grow at a leading youth-led health charity. You’ll be motivated by helping young people turn their ideas into action and seeing the difference that makes in schools and beyond.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme delivery 

• Schedule and organise visits to schools, agreeing agendas with the schools in advance to include meeting pupils and teachers, leading feedback sessions and focus groups and supporting the development of their social action campaigns. 

• Schedule and deliver assemblies with primary and secondary schools participating in the programme, coordinating with our Bite Back ambassadors.

• Support the School Ambassadors with travel logistics as they deliver assemblies in schools across England and Scotland.

• Deliver training and webinars for schools where necessary. 

• Maintain and regularly update programme management software and associated data to ensure accurate and up to date information for all participating primary schools.

• Ensure successful end-to-end support for the 5+ primary schools participating in the programme throughout the 26/27 school year.

• Celebrate and share examples of best practice and impactful social action projects amongst our community of schools. 

Relationship management 

• Provide ongoing support to both primary and secondary schools throughout their time on the programme, building strong working relationships with participating schools. 

• Support communication with all primary schools, providing a point of contact for the coordinator and lead teacher in each school. 

• Support monitoring and evaluation through creation of surveys, ensuring completion of baseline and end of year surveys, and analysis of data submitted (working with our Impact & Evaluation Manager).

• Provide timely responses to school queries and alert the Programmes Manager of any potential risks.

• Proactively seek feedback from teachers and young people on our programmes.

• Ensure opportunities for schools to engage in at least two one-on-one meetings with our team during the school year. 

• Build productive relationships with programme partners.

Project support 

• Help coordinate our relationship with our partners in The School Food Project, including Chefs in Schools, School Food Matters, Food Foundation & Jamie Oliver’s Group.

• Support the national rollout of the Bite Back in Schools Primary programme, translating insights and evidence from two successful pilot programmes into engaging assemblies and high-quality resources that drive effective programme delivery and impact.

• Provide support to Programme Manager in the delivery of projects, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and scope.

• Provide ad hoc input to evolving organisational requirements as directed by senior team members.

Event support 

• Support the planning, coordination and delivery of Bite Back events throughout the year, including travelling as required to meet the operational needs of the Youth teams.

• Coordinate the logistical arrangements for youth residential events, including travel, accommodation and other practical requirements.

• Contribute to event planning and preparation, including resource ordering, coordination and ensuring all materials are organised and available in advance.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate would have the following:

Essential

• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders at the individual level and in representation of the organisation.

• Strong organisational and project management skills, with excellent time management, ability to manage competing priorities and attention to detail.

• Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to adapt messages and language to resonate with different audiences.

• A willingness to build relationships across sectors, with young people and adults.

• Experience of creating resources which are engaging for young people.

• Experience of youth facilitation and/or delivering training.

• Experience in presenting and delivering content, ideally to young people such as an educational, heritage or other  setting, for example such as leading assemblies and workshops.

• Demonstrated experience planning and coordinating events, including logistics, stakeholder communication, and on-the-day delivery.

• Confident public speaker or willingness to learn.

• Ability to travel across England and Scotland when required (occasional).

Desirable

• Proven experience coordinating programmes in partnership with external stakeholders, fostering strong collaborative relationships to ensure successful delivery and shared outcomes.

• Experience of working with CRM systems.

• Strong understanding of the education sector and experience of working with schools and teachers.

• Experience in drafting compelling copy and uploading content to digital platforms.

• Understanding of youth social action and extracurricular programmes.

• Interest in campaigning, social justice, food, and child health.

• Experience with design tools like Canva. 

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

Location: Based in our London office, E1. Homeworking options in line with Crisis’ Hybrid Working Policy.

Hours: 35 hours per week. Occasional evening work will be required; TOIL will be given in line with policy.

Contract: 9 months fixed term contract parental leave cover. If you are applying for this as an external secondment, please flag when submitting your application.

About the role

As Senior Special Events Manager, you will lead the delivery of one of the most exciting and fast-growing special events portfolios in the charity sector. This is a nine-month parental cover role, offering the opportunity to work with leading artists, performers, chefs, philanthropists and high-profile supporters to create unforgettable experiences that raise vital funds to end homelessness. From exclusive culinary experiences through Together at the Table and a star-studded festive production of A Christmas Carol, to building on the success of previous music fundraising initiatives with Coldplay's Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland, you'll help deliver a programme designed to inspire audiences and bring supporters closer to Crisis' mission.

At the heart of the portfolio is HOME: Reframed, an ambitious new art auction event that will bring together artists, collectors, philanthropists and supporters around a shared vision of ending homelessness. This flagship launch will carry a six-figure income target and play a central role in the future growth of the programme.

Working collaboratively across Crisis and with a wide range of external partners, you will create exceptional supporter experiences that deepen engagement, inspire action and generate significant income. You'll bring together people from different sectors and backgrounds, ensuring people with lived experience of homelessness are genuinely at the heart of our events programme and the stories we share, while helping shape the future of a growing portfolio with huge potential.

About you

• You've delivered standout events, experiences or engagement programmes that have brought people together and achieved measurable results.
• You're as comfortable building relationships with major supporters, artists, sponsors and senior stakeholders as you are managing the detail needed to make an event a success.
• You combine creativity with strong commercial awareness and have experience delivering income, revenue, sponsorship or fundraising targets.
• You thrive on balancing multiple priorities, managing complex projects and bringing ambitious ideas to life, even when timelines are tight.
• You enjoy working with a wide range of people and know how to bring colleagues, partners and supporters with you.
• You're excited by the opportunity to help grow an ambitious events programme and create experiences that inspire action in support of ending homelessness.

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds.

Working at Crisis

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:

• A competitive salary. Please note our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage.
• Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy.
• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%
• 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
• Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly
• And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career.

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply?

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Monday 7 September 2026 at 23:55

Interview date and location:

• First interview: Wednesday 16 and 17 September, via Microsoft Teams
• Second interview: Monday 21 September, via Microsoft Teams

Interview process: Interview and presentation.

AI in Job Applications

We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences.

Accessibility

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email our Talent Acquisition team to discuss how we can help.

About Migrateful

Migrateful is an award-winning charity supporting refugees, asylum seekers and migrants on their journey to integration and employment.

Our cookery classes enable our chefs to share their cultures and cuisines, develop skills and confidence, and create meaningful connections with the wider community.

About the Role

We are looking for an organised, practical and proactive candidate to take day-to-day operational ownership of the Migrateful Cookery School in Farringdon and coordinate the effective operation of our network of venues across London.

A key focus will be introducing a Venue Champion model, where designated facilitators undertake agreed routine checks and practical tasks at external venues. With support from the Operations Support Officer, you will establish and coordinate this approach, while retaining overall oversight of venue standards and stepping in when additional intervention is needed.

You will also coordinate the operational onboarding of new venues and support the planned refurbishment of the Cookery School.

This is a varied, hands-on role combining venue operations, coordination, problem-solving and continuous improvement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Cookery School Operations

Take day-to-day operational ownership of the Migrateful Cookery School.

• Ensure the space, equipment, ingredients, recipes and resources are ready for classes and ad hoc events.

• Coordinate repairs, maintenance, cleaning and facilities requirements, working with building management, contractors and cleaning providers.

• Maintain effective systems for stock, storage, equipment, consumables and procurement.

• Identify and resolve operational issues to ensure the space works effectively for chefs, facilitators, volunteers and staff.

• Coordinate the planned Cookery School refurbishment, working with contractors, suppliers and colleagues to minimise disruption and ensure the space is ready for reopening.

2. External Venue Coordination

Maintain operational oversight of Migrateful's external London venues.

• Maintain venue-specific equipment, kit and operational requirements, with planned schedules for checks, maintenance and resets.

• Monitor venue readiness, facilitator feedback and outstanding issues and coordinate appropriate action.

• Maintain effective relationships with venue contacts and undertake periodic quality assurance visits where required.

3. Venue Champion Coordination

Venue Champions undertake agreed routine practical tasks, while the Venues Coordinator retains overall oversight of venue standards and the systems supporting them.

• Coordinate a network of Venue Champions who provide routine practical support at external venues.

• With support from the Operations Support Officer, recruit and train Venue Champions from Migrateful's facilitator pool and provide clear guidance for the role.

• Establish equipment lists, checklists and schedules for venue checks, kit cleaning and resets.

• Monitor completion of agreed tasks and coordinate follow-up, maintenance or equipment replacement where required.

4. New Venue Onboarding

• Coordinate the operational setup of new London venues when required.

• Assess new venues and establish equipment, storage, logistics, food safety and operational requirements.

• Coordinate procurement, setup, documentation and facilitator onboarding, resolving issues during initial classes.

• Identify and train a Venue Champion and transition established venues into the ongoing venue-management system.

5. Health, Safety & Quality

• Maintain high operational, food safety and Health & Safety standards across Migrateful's London venues.

• Maintain appropriate Health & Safety, food safety and allergen systems, documentation and checks.

• Ensure facilitators and Venue Champions understand the procedures relevant to their roles.

• Coordinate equipment safety and compliance requirements and identify, track and escalate risks appropriately.

6. Systems, Procurement & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain effective systems for equipment, stock, ingredient ordering, procurement and venue documentation.

• Manage relevant supplier relationships and monitor expenditure within agreed budgets.

• Identify opportunities to simplify, standardise or digitise processes and reduce unnecessary manual work.

• Maintain clear records so operational information is accessible, consistent and shared across the team.

Scope and Boundaries

The Venues Coordinator is responsible for the systems, standards and coordination that support effective venue management. They are not expected to personally undertake every routine task at every external venue.

Venue Champions provide local practical support and routine monitoring, with the Venues Coordinator responding to escalated issues and undertaking periodic quality assurance checks.

Reasonable changes may be made to the responsibilities of the role as Migrateful develops, following consultation with the postholder.

Working Hours & Out-of-Hours Support

Migrateful delivers cookery classes during evenings and weekends, so some operational issues may arise outside normal office hours.

The postholder will participate in a shared Operations Team out-of-hours rota. When rostered, they will provide first-line support for urgent operational issues affecting class delivery, escalating where appropriate.

The rota will be scheduled in advance. Expectations around availability, response times, escalation and working time/TOIL will be set out in Migrateful's Out-of-Hours Support procedure.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience in kitchen, hospitality, venue, facilities or operational coordination, with a good understanding of Food Safety, Health & Safety and allergen management.

• Is highly organised and able to coordinate multiple venues, priorities and people while ensuring spaces are safe, well equipped and ready for classes.

• Takes a practical, proactive and solution-focused approach, with high standards of cleanliness and attention to detail.

• Communicates confidently and builds effective relationships with a diverse range of people, including facilitators, suppliers and venue partners.

• Can develop and maintain clear operational systems, identify issues early and make practical improvements to how things are managed.

• Is comfortable working independently, using initiative and coordinating others, including Venue Champions.

• Is flexible about travelling between London venues, undertaking hands-on practical tasks and participating in the shared out-of-hours rota.

• Ideally has experience in a charity, social enterprise or community food setting, or working with volunteers and freelancers.

Right to Work

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Migrateful is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.

Successful applicants will be required to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK before starting employment.

Application Process

Applications will be shortlisted on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early. We may close the vacancy before the advertised closing date if we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications.