Café Manager: The Engine Shed Café, Ross Garden Store.
Location: Ross Garden Store, Ashburton Industrial Estate, Ross-on-Wye.
Position: Full-time, Permanent.
Salary: Competitive, based on experience.
Ross Garden Store is a thriving independent garden centre with a busy, much-loved café – The Engine Shed Café. We’re looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Café Manager to take charge of day-to-day operations and continue delivering the warm, welcoming atmosphere and high-quality food our customers enjoy.
About the Role
As Café Manager, you will oversee all aspects of running the Engine Shed Café, ensuring smooth daily operations and an exceptional customer experience. This is a hands-on role that combines management responsibilities with active participation in food preparation and front-of-house service.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage daily café operations, ensuring excellent service and smooth workflow.
- Lead and motivate a small, friendly team — including rota planning, training, and performance management.
- Prepare and bake cakes, pastries, and light meals to a high standard.
- Maintain stock levels, place orders with suppliers, and manage sales, gross margin and wages budgets effectively.
- Oversee all aspects of food hygiene, health & safety, and allergy compliance in line with UK regulations.
- Ensure the café is clean, welcoming, and running efficiently at all times.
- Work closely with the garden centre management team to plan seasonal menus and promotions.
About You
We’re looking for someone with a passion for great food and customer service, who thrives in a busy, community-focused environment.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Proven experience in café, restaurant, or catering management.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Excellent organisational and multitasking abilities.
- Hands-on approach with the ability to bake and prepare food daily.
- Knowledge of UK food safety, hygiene, and allergy regulations.
- Work weekends and weekdays in line with rota cover which integrates all members of staff.
- Adapt to the seasonal nature of the business
Desirable:
- Experience in a garden centre or visitor attraction environment.
- Food hygiene certification (Level 3).
What We Offer
- A supportive and friendly working environment.
- Competitive salary and staff discounts.
- Consistent working hours with an advantageous work/life balance
- Opportunity to take ownership and develop the café’s offering.
How to Apply:
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience via email to Chris Schofield - [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged. Due to volume of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview in this role.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Free parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Ross-on-Wye HR9 7JE: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Manager/Supervisor: 2 years (required)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Hyegiene Level 2/3 (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
