About The Balloon Tree:
At The Balloon Tree Farm Shop & Café, just outside York, we champion fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced produce, much of it grown on our own farm. Our 120-seat café (with a further 120 outdoor covers in summer) is a destination in its own right, known for hearty breakfasts, seasonal lunches, home-baked cakes, and traditional Sunday roasts, all served in a warm, welcoming environment.
We are looking for an Assistant Café Manager to join our established Café team, working closely with our Café Manager to deliver the high standards and customer experience we are known for.
The Role:
This is a hands-on management role at the heart of a busy, fast-paced café operation.
As Assistant Café Manager, you will help lead the team, support the smooth day-to-day running of the café, and take genuine ownership of service standards, team performance, and the overall customer experience.
You will lead by example on the floor while supporting the Café Manager in all aspects of running a high-volume, customer-focused café.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Supporting, guiding and motivating the café team to deliver excellent customer service at all times
- Leading the team confidently in the absence of, and alongside, the Café Manager
- Overseeing daily operations including opening and closing procedures, cash handling, and reporting
- Maintaining exceptional standards in food service, barista drinks, cleanliness and presentation
- Managing stock control, ordering, and efficient use of resources
- Upholding health, safety, and food hygiene standards
- Assisting with staff training, development, and performance
- Helping to create a positive, supportive working environment for the whole team
Who We’re Looking For:
We’re looking for someone who is passionate about hospitality, confident in leading a team, and thrives in a busy café environment. You’ll be someone who enjoys being on the floor, setting the pace, solving problems, and ensuring every customer leaves having had a great experience.
Key skills and experience:
- Previous leadership experience in a café, hospitality, or customer-facing environment
- Barista experience
- Strong customer service and communication skills
- Ability to lead, motivate, and support a team
- Calm, organised, and able to perform under pressure
- A positive attitude and genuine passion for hospitality
- Good understanding of food safety and hygiene standards
Contract & Benefits:
- Full-time position (35+ hours per week)
- Permanent contract
- Daytime shifts only – no evenings
- Weekend availability required
- Full flexibility is a must
Why Join The Balloon Tree?
- Independent, family-run business with a strong local reputation
- Daytime hours offering an excellent work-life balance
- Free on-site parking
- Staff discount across the Farm Shop & Café
- Supportive, close-knit team environment
- Beautiful countryside setting, working with fresh, local produce
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £13.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Where are you currently located?
- What team size have you managed before? Tell us a bit about that experience.
Experience:
- Barista: 1 year (preferred)
- Hospitality: 1 year (required)
- Customer: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
