Hi there, so glad you found us…! Allow us to introduce ourselves…
North Star is a coffee company and family united by a love for great coffee and a desire to protect all it supports. We were founded with the aim of proving that a quality and impact-led approach creates viable business models across our supply chain to ultimately build an industry that works for everyone. This is our guiding star and our basis for decision making around further growth, helping to build impact into all that we do.
Our Story
Our love for coffee began at source, wandering the coffee trees of Nyeri in Kenya, talking shop over hot tea and donuts…
In pursuit of research to support our final year dissertation, we spent a few months amongst smallholder coffee farming communities in rural Kenya to ask them about their experiences of Fairtrade. This opportunity changed our lives. It showed us how deeply emotive coffee is but also how deep seated issues in this global supply chain have placed a serious question mark over the industry’s future.
Fast forward to 2013, we took the plunge on a 5kg second hand roasting machine working out of a small industrial unit in Meanwood, Leeds. A decade later with a wholesale customer base of over 120 national partnerships, two of our own coffee shops and a team of 30 across our business we are so proud to have built a brand and business that brings joy to so many.
B Corp, what is it?
In 2022, North Star (roastery + coffee shops) became a certified B Corp. In simple terms, we are assessed for the overall ethics and sustainability of our business across 5 areas.
How the business is governed (how decisions are made/core mission/values etc) Employee experiences Environmental practices How customers are treated How supply partnerships are formed and nurtured.
The idea is that not only are businesses verified to be having the impact they say they are having, but they become a part of a movement focused on constant improvement, sharing practices and ideas to challenge the ‘normal’ way of doing business.
As a Certified B Corporation and a leader of this emerging economy, we believe:
- That we must be the change we seek in the world
- That all business ought to be conducted as if people and place mattered
- That, through our products, practices, and profits, we should aspire to do no harm and benefit all
- To do so requires that we act with the understanding that we are each dependent upon another and thus responsible for each other and future generations.
Equal Opportunities Employer
Our business is open to applications from all regardless of race, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or age. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where equal opportunities are accessible to all.
Our Values
Collaborate Inside and Out - If we communicate effectively, work towards the same goal and focus on the customer at all times, we will perform and produce amazing work.
Take care of yourself and others - I take ownership for my own wellbeing and work to understand the needs of those around us (be they a colleague, customer or supply partner), knowing that we are all individuals with equal value.
Speak up and Be BOLD - We are here to make a change. We don’t shy away from challenge prioritising courage over comfort. We take the road less travelled to lead by example. We look for opportunities to learn, to increase our impact, to improve, to make a difference. We don’t mind making measured mistakes, we DO mind repeating them. Every task, project and collaboration carries a lesson, we try to make sure we learn it.
GDPR
We’ll ask for your contact details as part of the recruitment process and these will be held in confidence on our recruitment platform Workable. We will only use them when needed (subject to General Data Protection Regulations 2018) and we will dispose of all details once the recruitment process is complete.
The Role
We are recruiting for a new kitchen porter for our Leeds Docks site. As advocates and representatives of our overall brand, these roles are of great importance to our business which encompasses a wholesale coffee customer base (supplying hundreds of coffee shops nationally), an online shop retailing directly to the consumer alongside our soon to launch coffee training offering.
We can offer a great platform for those aspiring to kickstart their career in hospitality. You will access world class training, get to have a glimpse into the art of coffee roasting alongside working with some of the best coffees in the world.
You must be warm, hospitable and considerate to the needs of both your team and our valued customers. We are occasionally very busy, particularly at weekends and in school holidays so keeping a cool head under pressure is a must!
Working hours of 22 - 26 hours per week (Over 4 - 5 days)
Cleaning of all crockery, kitchen utensils & equipment.
Clearing & cleaning tables in the coffee shop.
Maintain impeccable standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the café, including the toilets.
Assisting the kitchen team in weekly deep cleaning.
Assisting the kitchen or front of house team with basic food preparation.
Deliver the North Star experience by engaging, developing and maintaining relationships with all visitors to our space in an approachable and personable manner.
You should:
Enjoy working as part of a team.
Always be punctual.
Have outstanding attention to detail.
Be accountable, self-disciplined, self-aware and responsible.
Be enthusiastic about seasonality, traceability and provenance.
Be confident and engaging when interacting with customers.
Have great communication skills and be able to listen and receive feedback effectively.
- Competitive Parental Leave Offer
- Compassionate Leave
- Sick Pay
- Private Healthcare Scheme
- Personal and Professional Development
- ‘Stay Curious’ fund of £150/year to be put towards developing an interest or hobby
- Industry courses
- 20% discount in our coffee shops
- Free meal on shift
- 1 x 250g bag of coffee per week
- Cycle to work scheme
- Company matched charity donations up to the value of £500.
- An environment in which you are encouraged to feedback and help us do better
- The chance to genuinely have a positive impact on the lives of others.
