Assistant Café Manager
We are looking for a reliable, proactive, and motivated Assistant Café Manager to support the Café Manager in the day-to-day running of the café. You will play a key role in ensuring smooth operations, maintaining high standards of customer service, and supporting the team to deliver an excellent experience for every customer.
Working closely with the Café Manager, you will help lead and motivate the team, oversee daily operations, manage staffing and workload, and ensure that health, safety, food hygiene, and company standards are consistently maintained. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their management experience within a busy and friendly café environment.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Support the Café Manager with the overall day-to-day operation of the café, ensuring smooth and efficient service.
- Supervise, support, and motivate team members to maintain high standards of customer service and performance.
- Delegate tasks effectively and ensure the team is organised and adequately supported throughout each shift.
- Assist with staff rotas, shift planning, breaks, and ensuring appropriate staffing levels during busy periods.
- Lead by example by providing friendly, professional, and efficient customer service.
- Handle customer queries, complaints, and issues professionally, taking appropriate action to resolve them and maintain a positive customer experience.
- Assist with opening and closing procedures, including cash handling, securing the premises, and ensuring the café is prepared for the following day.
- Monitor stock levels and assist with ordering, receiving, storing, and rotating food, beverages, and other supplies.
- Help minimise waste and monitor stock usage to support effective cost control.
- Ensure food preparation, storage, cleaning, and service areas consistently meet food hygiene and health and safety requirements.
- Ensure the café is clean, organised, and presented to a high standard throughout the day.
- Support the Café Manager with staff training, onboarding, and ongoing development.
- Identify and address performance or operational issues promptly, escalating matters to the Café Manager where appropriate.
- Assist with daily administration, including cashing up, stock checks, wastage records, and other operational paperwork.
- Ensure company policies, procedures, and legal requirements are followed by all team members.
- Act as the senior member of staff on shift when the Café Manager is not present, taking responsibility for the smooth running of the café.
- Support the Café Manager in identifying opportunities to improve service, sales, efficiency, and the overall customer experience.
Skills & Experience
- Previous experience in a café, restaurant, hospitality, retail, or customer-facing environment.
- Previous supervisory or team-leading experience is desirable.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and support a diverse team.
- Excellent customer service skills and a professional, approachable manner.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and remain calm under pressure.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and respond quickly to changing priorities.
- Good understanding of food hygiene, health and safety, and workplace standards.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards.
- Good cash-handling and administrative skills.
- Ability to confidently make decisions and take responsibility when required.
- Reliable, punctual, and willing to lead by example.
- Flexible approach to working hours, including weekends and busy periods.
- A positive attitude and willingness to support colleagues and contribute to a strong team environment.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone who is confident taking responsibility, enjoys working with people, and is passionate about delivering excellent customer service. The successful candidate will be someone the team can rely on to keep the café running smoothly, support colleagues, and maintain high standards even during busy periods.
This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced team member looking to take the next step into management, or for an existing supervisor or Assistant Manager looking to develop their hospitality management experience.
Pay: £13.21-£14.00 per hour
Expected hours: 30.0 – 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
