Sugar Plums Play Café is a new, fairytale-themed play café in Newtownards for children aged 0-5 years old and their families, opening in October 2026
Our mission is to provide a calm, nurturing and imaginative space where children can learn through play, and adults can relax, connect and feel part of a supportive community.
We are seeking a self-motivated, friendly and organised person for the role of Play Café Supervisor. In return, you can expect a warm, supportive workplace, free parking, complimentary coffee on-shift, and discounted play sessions and parties.
Thank you for your interest in joining the Sugar Plums team. We look forward to receiving your application.
Job Description
Job Title: Play Café Supervisor
Reports to: Owner
Location: Sugar Plums Play Café, Newtownards
Hours: Part-time (16 hours per week with potential for additional hours)
Salary: £13.50 per hour
Contract Type: Permanent
Job Purpose
To support the day-to-day operation of Sugar Plums Play Café by delivering excellent customer service, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety, supervising staff during shifts, and ensuring a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment for customers.
The Play Café Supervisor will lead by example, taking responsibility for the smooth running of the café during allocated shifts while promoting the values and standards of Sugar Plums.
Key Responsibilities
Customer Service
- Deliver exceptional customer service to all visitors.
- Welcome customers and create a warm, friendly atmosphere.
- Resolve customer enquiries and complaints professionally.
- Build positive relationships with regular customers and contribute to creating a welcoming community atmosphere.
- Promote a positive experience that encourages repeat visits.
Café Operations
- Prepare and serve hot and cold drinks and light food items.
- Operate the till and process payments accurately.
- Maintain excellent food hygiene and presentation standards.
- Clear and clean tables and ensure the café area retains a high level of cleanliness and tidiness
- Assist with stock rotation, orders and inventory control.
- Minimise waste and report stock shortages.
Play Area Operations
- Complete daily safety inspections of the play equipment.
- Ensure the play environment remains clean, tidy and well presented.
- Support the implementation of cleaning schedules throughout the day.
- Promote safe use of the play facilities in line with company policies.
Supervision
- Supervise team members during shifts.
- Monitor completion of daily tasks.
- Provide support and guidance to colleagues.
- Lead by example in customer service, professionalism and teamwork.
- Report operational issues to the Owner.
Health & Safety
- Follow Food Safety, Health & Safety and safeguarding procedures.
- Maintain accurate cleaning and safety records in accordance with HACCP and COSHH requirements.
- Respond appropriately to accidents and incidents.
- Ensure compliance with company policies and relevant statutory requirements.
Opening and Closing Duties
- Complete opening and closing checklists.
- Prepare the café for daily trading.
- Support opening and closing procedures, including securing the premises when required
- Carry out cash handling procedures where required.
General
- Assist with seasonal events, parties and promotional activities.
- Assist with preparation and cleanup of weekly classes
- Actively participate in required training and development
- Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment
- Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role.
This job description outlines the main duties of the role and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Responsibilities may change in line with the needs of the business.
Person Specification
We’re looking for someone with the following:
Essential:
- Minimum 2 years’ experience working in hospitality, retail or another customer-facing environment
- Minimum 1 years’ experience in a supervisory role, including supervising staff
- Good standard of numeracy and literacy
- Understanding of excellent customer service
- Understanding of food hygiene, health and safety
- Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities
- Excellent communication skills, organisation and time management
- Ability to prioritise under pressure
- Ability to work independently
- Problem-solving skills
- Reliability and professionalism
- Commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment
- Flexibility including weekends
- Right to work in UK
Desirable:
- Food Hygiene Certificate
- Paediatric First Aid
- Barista training
- Childcare / play environment experience
- Experience running classes, activities or events
- EPOS/booking systems experience
- Experience handling cash / using POS systems
How to Apply
To apply for the role of Play Café Supervisor, please send the following by email to [email protected]:
- An up-to-date CV;
- A covering letter outlining how you meet the criteria set out in the Person Specification; and
- The contact details of two referees - references will only be sought following a successful interview
Please include the role you are applying for in the subject line.
Your cover letter should demonstrate how you meet each of the essential criteria outlined in the person specification. Your CV should include relevant employment, voluntary experience and training, with dates where applicable.
The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Tuesday 4th August 2026. Applications received after this time will not be considered.
Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing Monday 10th August 2026. Only candidates shortlisted for interview will be contacted.
- If we receive a high volume of applications, we reserve the right to shortlist using both the essential and desirable criteria contained within the Person Specification.
Equal Opportunities
Sugar Plums Play Café is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We do not discriminate on the grounds of religious belief, political opinion, race, sex or gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, dependents or any other protected characteristic.
Safeguarding
Sugar Plums Play Café is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and expects all employees to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to complete appropriate safeguarding checks, including an Access NI check, and to follow all safeguarding policies and procedures and promote a safe environment for children and families.
Pay: £13.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
