APPLAUD COFFEE ASSISTANT MANAGER
We’re searching for an experienced barista with strong leadership skills a passion for the dream of River Church to join our incredible Applaud Coffee staff team. The Assistant Manager will be involved in supporting the Manager in exciting new projects, like adding new opening days, creating new spaces for customers, and exploring the launch of additional branches.
Full-time (28+ hours per week) | Up to £25,000 FTE
Closing date: 20th September 2026
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Role Profile
Job title: Applaud Coffee Assistant Manager
Department: Applaud Coffee
Reports to: Applaud Coffee Directors
Principal location: Applaud Coffee, 19 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich, IP1 1XF
DBS check required: Yes
Special conditions of employment: As a ministry role, bridging River Church and Applaud Coffee, there is a genuine occupational requirement that the post-holder is a Christian, as permitted under the Equality Act 2010.
Start date: As soon as possible
Working days/hours: Negotiable (averaging 28+ per week) including Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
Rate of pay: Up to £25,000 FTE
Travel: May be required on occasion
Holiday: 25 days per annum plus bank holidays (pro rata)
Probation period: 6 months
Contract length: Negotiable
Other expectations: The role holder will need to be available to work some other key dates, such as special services (Christmas, Easter etc.), annual meetings, and Focus (our annual one-week church holiday in the summer). It is expected that staff members will be active members of River Church—praying at prayer meetings, serving on team, giving financially, and growing as part of a Hangout.
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MAIN TASKS
Support the Manager in overseeing staff and coffee shop operations
Make outstanding speciality coffees
Deliver excellent customer service with an attention to detail
Embody the values of Applaud Coffee and River Church
Support the manager in developing the partnership between Applaud and River, including upcoming Baby Love ‘pop-up Applaud location’, barista training for NEET 16-24s and Alpha at Applaud
Assist the manager in:
Managing stock, equipment, and orders (in store and online)
Recruiting, onboarding, training, and managing staff
Tracking KPI's (sales, revenue, profit, waste), reporting these weekly to Directors
Overseeing coffee shop finances, including paying invoices and monitoring cash flow
Overseeing all aspects of kitchen and back of house including menu, stock, and systems
Ensure compliance with safeguarding and food health and safety policies
Create and manage shift rotas
Prepare and produce food and drink products of a high and consistent quality to tight deadlines
Baking Applaud cakes for the shop counter and external orders
Perform general kitchen and coffee shop duties e.g serving, cooking, washing up and cleaning
Problem-solving and dealing with any customer complaints or special requests
Taking and managing online orders as required
Opening and closing the shop as required
Admin tasks including financial admin, correspondence, and paying invoices
Maintain an environment of cleanliness and ambience at all times
Demonstrate Christian values and character to customers, sharing faith in Jesus, and offering invitations to River Church events when appropriate, bridging River and Applaud
Collaborate with River Church staff team on special events
Other ad hoc tasks as required
SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
Desirable
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
Hardworking, reliable and honest
Barista and/or hospitality experience
Exceptional customer service
Confident and competent baker / cook
Able to thrive in a busy and fast paced environment
Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
Ability to troubleshoot situations
Organised, efficient and able to prioritise
Able to show initiative and work well under pressure
High attention to detail
Energetic with a positive mindset
There is a genuine occupational requirement that the role holder is a committed Christian, assents to the River Church Code of Conduct and basis of faith, and (desirable) is willing to become an active member of River Church
Enthusiasm for and the ability to embody the vision and values of Applaud
Desirable
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The job is physically demanding. You will be required to stand for extended periods of time and to lift and carry stock to and from the basement.
WHAT WE OFFER
Any 2 drinks from the Applaud menu on shift
Free coffee and tea off shift
Free lunch on shifts of over 6 hours
20% discount on retail products
Pension contributions
Notes for Applicants
We particularly welcome applications from candidates whose ethnicities are underrepresented in the Church of England. We would welcome informal conversations with anybody considering applying for this position. Email [email protected] to get in touch. When completing the application form, please feel free to continue your answers on separate pages if you require more room.
We reserve the right to close applications and/or shortlist at any time. As such, we recommend applying for this role at your earliest convenience.
We will inform you as to whether or not you will be invited for interview once applications have closed.
Interviews will be held in person at River Church Ipswich, Key Street, IP4 1BZ.
Please bring your passport (and, if necessary, proof of right to work in the UK) and a document showing proof of your home address, such as a utility bill or bank statement, to your interview.
Please note that any offers made are subject to: the receipt of satisfactory references; satisfactory completion of a DBS check, safeguarding training, and any other training necessary for the role; proof of right to work in the UK; satisfactory completion of a 6 month probationary period; and agreement to adhere to the policies and procedures of River Church.
When you apply for this role, please also complete the Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form at the bottom of this page.
