This isn't your usual Cafe Manager role, this is a role where you will make a real difference to those with Autism and/or other disabilities. This role, in addition to ensuring a smoothly ran Cafe, will work with individuals with learning disabilities that want to get real work experience that they can take with them into future paid employment. This truly is a role that will give you job satisfaction is the best way possible!!
Job Overview
Equal Tea Cafe (a part of the Away Day Care Group) are seeking an experienced and dynamic Café Manager to oversee daily operations of soon to be opened café. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a passion for food service, and a comprehensive understanding of cafe management. This role involves managing staff, ensuring exceptional customer service, maintaining food safety standards, and optimizing operational efficiency to deliver a memorable dining experience for guests. Where this role differs to any other is that you will also work closely with Special Educational Needs (SEN) Students who are on a programme to learn all the skills required to be successful in a cafe setting. A real rare opportunity for the right candidate to mix hospitality with social impact.
Duties
- Supervise and coordinate all café activities, including food preparation, service, and cleanliness
- Lead staff and manage staff rotas as well as training and development to ensure high performance and team cohesion
- Oversee inventory control, ordering supplies, and maintaining stock levels using a POS system.
- Handle cash transactions accurately and reconcile daily sales reports
- Ensure compliance with food hygiene requirements
- Monitor quality of food production and presentation, ensuring consistency with brand standards
- Analyse performance and implement strategies to increase sales and footfall
- Lead efforts in customer service excellence by addressing customer concerns promptly and professionally
- Collaborate with kitchen staff to coordinate daily food production and menu plans
- Oversee budgeting, cost control, and overall financial management of the café operations
- Create a positive and inclusive environment that enables all SEN Students to succeed at building their skills with the programme.
- Work closely with the SEN Programme Lead to integrate SEN trainees into the Cafe operations.
Experience
- A passion for inclusion and working with people with SEN or disabilities
- Proven management experience in a cafe environment
- Extensive background in food preparation and kitchen management
- Hands-on experience with POS systems for order processing and cash handling
- Demonstrated ability to supervise staff effectively, including hiring, training, and performance management
- Experience in hospitality management with a focus on customer service excellence
- Knowledge of food safety standards and food hygiene requirements
- Prior experience in managing inventory control, budgeting, and cost analysis is highly desirable
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate teams and foster a positive work environment
- Desirable if you have previous experience working within a social enterprise, training cafe or community based setting.
Benefits
- 29 days Annual Leave (Pro rata for part time colleagues) rising with length of Service
- Access to a variety of high street shopping discounts
- Employer paid Blue Light Card
- Employer paid Health Cash Plan with 24/7 access to a GP
- Employee Assistance Programme and Wellbeing Programme
This position offers an exciting opportunity for a dedicated professional to lead a café with a strong social impact while delivering exceptional customer experiences through effective management and culinary expertise.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £13.00-£15.00 per hour
Expected hours: 37.5 per week
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Referral programme
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
