Job reference: 000252
Salary: £30,000
Department: Social Enterprise
Location: Autism Plus Knaresborough
Hours Per Week: 37.5
Closing date: 03/07/2026
Job Description
About Autism Plus
Autism Plus is a leading Yorkshire Charity supporting adults and young people with autism, learning disabilities, mental health conditions and complex needs.
In 1986 the Charity was created by a group of parents looking for the very best support for their children who were about to leave a specialist school. Once they reached the age of 17, they found there was little or no support. The belief set by our founding parents, to empower more people to live independent, fulfilling lives remains our focus today.
We employ over 350 people across the north of England in care support services, employment support and social enterprise businesses.
As a senior chocolatier you will be responsible for the successful operation and continued development of the chocolate production within the Park House Barn enterprise. In addition, you will assist in developing training and work programmes for our client group.
Key responsibilities
- To work together with the team to coordinate the production of the chocolate enterprise.
- Develop a range of products and services, assess their commercial viability and oversee their manufacture
- Be responsible for the start-to-end process of chocolate production, ensuring that presentation of the final product is to a high standard.
- Development of new products and new ingredients to enhance chocolate sales.
- Ensure compliance with all health and safety, fire and food hygiene regulations. Liaising with Environmental Health, The Food Standards Agency and other statutory bodies with the Centre manager
- Coach and support all team members to increase productivity of the chocolate studio
- Co ordinate traceability of all chocolate products, using correct paperwork as per food safety regulations
- Support, develop and coordinate our client group, trainees and volunteers in the manufacture of our chocolate products.
- Lead and inspire the staff team
- Promoting products and representing Autism Plus at Chocolate Fayres and fundraising events as needed
- Coordination and running of chocolate making workshops as and when required.
Teamwork
- Participate in promoting a team approach at all times.
- Be polite, courteous and supportive to all team members.
- Be flexible in accordance with the needs of the weekly rota.
- Be available to cover leave (sickness, annual, etc).
- Assist in the induction of new staff.
- Work in accordance with training and agreed policies, practices and procedures.
- Participate in and contribute to staff meetings.
- Support colleagues in difficult or potentially difficult situations within the workplace.
- Ensure issues of concern are elevated to a more knowledgeable member of staff if the situation requires specific expertise.
Personal Development
- Attend supervision and appraisal meetings and have a willingness to be accountable and develop as a valued team member
- To undertake training as required. This may include attending training courses outside your place of work.
General
- Work to agreed standards in line with Autism Plus policies and procedures
- Have a flexible attitude to working arrangements
- Any other duties as reasonably requested, relative to the objectives of the post
What we offer:
• 20% discount at Park House Barns Chocolate
• BUPA Health Cash Plan Scheme
• Access to the Blue Light Discount Card
• Refer‑a‑Friend cash reward scheme
• GloSave access (financial wellbeing & savings support)
• Company pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Mileage reimbursement for business travel
• Ongoing training and continuous professional development
• A genuinely rewarding and meaningful role where you will see the impact of your work every day
The application process is simple and involves a short application form with a CV upload. If this role is something that interests you, and you feel you could make a real difference, we would love to hear from you!
As a disability organisation we are keen to ensure support is available at all stages for those that require this. If you have a disability and/or health condition and require any reasonable adjustments for the application/recruitment process please contact the HR team to discuss how we can support you (Email: hr@autismplus.co.uk , or Telephone: 01143 840300)