About us

School Yard Kitchen (SYK) is a social enterprise based in East Dunbartonshire that makes artisan jams, sauces and chocolates. As we grow we are looking to add to our team.

Although a small company we are a forward thinking company, priding ourselves on innovative ways of working. Our purpose however is not primarily about generating profit but about using the money we make to address some of the barriers and inequalities people face in Scotland and our partner country Ghana.

We are looking for someone who like us works with passion, individuality and quality.

About you

As a community oriented business we are looking for people who can come and join our journey who share the same passion and enthusiasm for quality whilst also being interested in righting some of the wrongs in our world. If you are someone who has a great attention to detail and dedication to ensuring all our products leave our kitchen on time, we would love to hear more from you.

As a Food Production Assistant you will be the heart of our brand and ensure that you give your all to ensure our customers receive the best quality product every time. You will work alongside the production team and produce high quality and large volumes of products for our customers across the UK and beyond.

The Food Production Assistant eases the flow of daily production by lending a hand where needed. This includes completing regular and delegated cleaning and maintenance tasks, keeping inventory tidy and organised, and helping out on the production and packing lines.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

The ideal candidate:

has a continuous attitude of learning;
has a sharp eye for detail and is also content with repetitive tasks in a production kitchen;
works efficiently under pressure in an organized way;
follows directions and recipes precisely;
Able to work to high standards and have the ability to be safe in all food production and ensure all standards are followed.
values genuine friendships and contributes to a positive team culture;
communicates fluently and clearly with team members and external staff.
can support others closely as well as work independently with responsibility.
have a strong commitment to teamwork and communication
punctual, professional, engaged, team-player
capable and able to apply common sense to daily tasks
able to work on their feet all day
excellent communication skills, which includes listening
able to follow instructions carefully and accurately, with attention to detail
flexible and open to expanding and growing job responsibilities
the confidence to speak honestly and compassionately to team members, including management.
the ability to at times come up with reasonable and practical solutions to problems is a must.

Essential Criteria:

Level 3 in Food Hygiene for Catering or Level 3 Food Hygiene for Manufacturing – training is provided
Attention to detail and ability to follow instruction and a professional reliable approach to tasks

Desirable Criteria:

Understanding of HACCP processes and completion of HACCP documentation
Previous experience of working in a professional kitchen
Previous experience of chocolate production/tempering chocolate/food production.

Working Hours we have variety of working schedules which could suit different family lifestyles.

Personal qualities are more important than experience as full training will be given.

General Responsibilities:

To produce good quality products which are delivered to all our customers overnight.
Produce current fresh product range to an excellent standard
Ensure safe food preparation and service, the correct storage & labelling of food and produce products to the recipe specifications provided.
To be a good communicator within the business.
Clean thoroughly always and ensure routine cleaning is completed
Compliance to food hygiene and safety standards is paramount. We pride ourselves on quality and control.
To use all the systems and processes set out by the company.
To record all relevant checks and information on our auditor system
Carry out production tasks set out for you by your Kitchen Manager Chocolate Manufacturing Assistance
Maintain chocolate manufacturing standards of SYC
Sort, roast, winnow, grind, refine load/unload cocoa beans and or chocolate as directed.
Ensure that high standards of sanitation , cleanliness and safety are maintained throughout the facility at all time.
Keep other Production staff current of all key activities through effective communication.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work in food production is a physically demanding job and all team members should be able to move quickly, lift heavy boxes and equipment (25 pounds), work on their feet all day, operate machinery (and sometimes fix it), and be educated on how to perform their duties without hurting themselves. In addition, supplies are a different heights that requires the ability to occasionally traverse stairs. While the environment is friendly, there is an expectation that one has the ability to focus and complete tasks on their own, as well as part of a team.

Hours: up to 35 (hours various including evenings and weekends)