Café Manager — Start Here, Grow Into Ownership
£tbdiscussed | Full-time | Bath
Start as Assistant Manager. Progress to Manager. End up running — or owning — the business.
We're a busy, well-established café with a clear plan to grow a lot further — longer hours, corporate events, off-site catering, and an expanding own brand meals offer. We need one person to grow with us, and there's no ceiling on how far this role can go.
This is one job, not three. You start, you prove yourself, and you move up — no reapplying, no waiting around.
The Path
● Start: Assistant Manager — learn every part of the business
● ~9 months: Manager — full day-to-day control, lead the growth projects
● ~18 months (if you want it): Business Partner — buy-in or succession, running the business as your own
What You'll Be Doing From Day One
● Implementing systems as directed from the business owner
● Running shifts, service standards, stock and supplier orders
● Leading and scheduling the team as part of the team (100% hands on)
● Assisting with marketing and social media
● Keeping on top of food hygiene, H&S, and cash handling
● Getting stuck into new projects — hours, events, catering, meals
● Handling customer feedback and keeping standards consistent across every shift
● Working with suppliers to manage costs and quality
● Building relationships with corporate clients and local businesses for events/bookings
● Keeping an eye on daily takings, waste, and basic cost control
● Bringing your own ideas — this role rewards initiative, not just following instructions
What We're Looking For
● Must have previous café/hospitality management or supervisory experience — this is not an entry-level role
● Must have some grill/cooking experience
● Must be able to effectively run social media, especially Instagram and Facebook
● Must be good with processes — able to follow, maintain, and tighten up systems (stock, cash, opening/closing checklists, etc.)
● Level 2/3 Food Hygiene certified (or willing to obtain quickly if not already held)
● Understands the café's role as a community hub — building regulars, supporting local events, being a genuine part of the area
● Must genuinely want a career in hospitality — this isn't a stopgap while you wait for something else to come along
● Someone who actually loves cafés — not just clocking in
● Ambitious, reliable, and ready for real responsibility fast
● Comfortable with (or keen to learn) the commercial side — budgets, margins, costs
● Looking to build something over months and years, not passing through
What You'll Get
● A fast track to real responsibility and higher pay as you progress
● A genuine, structured route to running or owning a profitable business
● An owner who wants to invest in the right person long-term
● Meals/Drinks on shift, free parking, Pension
Terms
● Role begins with a trial period of 3 months before progression discussions start
● Standard contract terms — 1 week notice period, 4 weekly probation review
If you've ever wanted to run your own café without needing the capital to start one — this is that opportunity.
Before interview: we'd expect you to do some research into Alice Park Cafe and come ready to share your understanding of the business and what you'd bring to it.
Apply with your CV and a few lines on why this progression path appeals to you.
Tony Hickman, Alice Park Café, Gloucester Road, Bath BA1 7BL
Pay: From £25,272.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
