Junior Chef/ CDP
Shakespeare North Playhouse operates the Shakespeare North Bar & Kitchen, which covers a range of day time lunch offerings, a pre-theatre evening service and caters for the events and hires area of the organisation. We’re looking for a reliable, enthusiastic Junior Chef/ CPD to join our small, friendly kitchen team.
About the Organisation
Shakespeare North Playhouse is a unique arts venue, which opened in the summer of 2022. It presents a vibrant contemporary cultural and learning programme featuring home co-produced and visiting performances, as well as comedy, music, community work, hire and events and a range of education and training activities.
In the 3 years since opening, Shakespeare North has attracted over 350,000 visitors, 22,000 young people and has been nominated for 36 awards.
Shakespeare North Trust (SNT) is the Charitable organisation which is the operator of Shakespeare North Playhouse.
- Our Vision: “Inspired by Shakespeare. Bringing Joy: Together, we tell stories that feel like our own, that change the way we see the world – opening doors, inviting debate, inspiring a love of learning, and bringing joy to this place; Our Shakespeare North Playhouse.”
- Our Mission – The Big Goal: “We share world-class theatre, activities and conversations inspired by Shakespeare and relevant to all of us.”
- Our Promise: At Shakespeare North Playhouse we commit to being ‘Bold and Brave’. It is a promise we make to each other internally as a team, to our visitors, patrons, and partners, and to all our artists and makers as we all come together to create a wonderful place.
- Our Values and Behaviours: The organisational values define Shakespeare North Playhouse. They create a framework for the way in which the organisation wishes to achieve the vision and objectives. It is critical that people will thrive together, as a team, with partners, visitors, and audience.
Innovative – Honest – Collaborative – Creative
Equal – Supportive – Accountable – Useful
Place of Work
Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot, Knowsley.
Role Overview
This will be a hands-on role, in a varied and fast-paced environment. You will assist with food preparation and service to deliver a wide range of food offers, from cold deli items, corporate catering, supper clubs and pre-theatre dining.
You will be responsible for setting up and running lunch services from a cold deli section including fresh sandwiches and cakes. As well as a basic hot food options such as soups, jacket potatoes, and hot sandwiches.
During busy periods, and theatre productions, you will also assist with our evening pre-theatre dining services. Preparing and cooking from themed menus, focussed on ‘light snacking’ and ‘small plate’ menus.
This role suits a chef with good skill, and attention to detail, who enjoys a variety of catering tasks, and thrives in a small and collaborative team. You will have opportunities to develop skills across multiple areas, while contributing to an enjoyable experience for our theatre customers, and regular clientele.
Reporting relationships
The Junior Chef/CDP will report to the Head Chef and work closely with the Catering & Events team.
Salary and Hours of Work
The hours of work will be contracted as 20 hours per week (likely 5 hours over 4 days). The jobholder will be expected to exercise flexibility based on the needs of the Venue. Evening and weekend work will be required.
Salary will be circa £14,560 per annum (£14 per hour) depending on skills and experience.
Key responsibilities:
- Prepare and assemble fresh sandwiches, salads and cakes
- Set up, replenish and maintain our deli display
- Maintain a clean and safe working environment. Ensure adherence to all food safety and hygiene regulations
- Maintain consistency and the standards set by the Head Chef
- Light food preparation tasks
- Assist with evening food service
- Assist with corporate catering
- Work collaboratively in a small kitchen environment
Skills and Experience
- Previous experience as a CDP, or Commis chef
- Experience in a similar role within a cafe, or hospitality
- Strong food preparation skills
- Good understanding of food hygiene, allergen awareness, and safety standards. Ideally Level 2 Food Hygiene or a willingness to obtain
- Ability to work independently
- Confident in assisting with light cooking, and some food plating
How to Apply
If having reviewed the job description and information about the Shakespeare North Playhouse you consider yourself to be a good fit for this role, please email a CV to [email protected] and fill out the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form linked below.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 14 January 2026
Diverse representation
We encourage and welcome applications from people whose background and experience are underrepresented in the cultural sector. We are committed to inclusive working practices and understand there may be barriers people face when considering an opportunity like this. If you are interested in applying for this role but feel there are things that may prevent you from getting involved, please get in touch and let us know how we can support you in making your application and throughout the selection process.
Equality Monitoring
As part of your application, please make sure to fill out the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form . The information you provide will not impact on the consideration of your application and will be used solely for the purpose of monitoring.
Data Protection
Information provided by you as part of your application will be used in the recruitment process. Any data about you will be held securely with access restricted to those involved in dealing with your application in the recruitment process. Once the process is completed the data relating to unsuccessful applicants will be stored for a maximum of 6 months and then destroyed. If you are the successful candidate, your application will be retained and form the basis of your personnel record. By submitting your application, you are giving your consent to your data being stored and processed for the purpose of the recruitment process, equal opportunities monitoring and your personnel record if you are the successful candidate. In submitting your application, we will assume that consent by you is given. We refer you to Shakespeare North’s job applicant privacy notice which you should read before applying for this role.
If you have any questions or would like to have an informal conversation about the role before applying, please contact us via email at [email protected]
