About SAND Cafe
We're an independent speciality coffee and brunch café built around exceptional coffee, quality food and genuine hospitality located in Portsmouth, Hampshire.
We’re looking for an ambitious Assistant Manager to join our growing team and work directly alongside the owners to help shape the future of the business. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants more than just a job, we are looking for a future leader who wants to grow with the company as we expand.
The Role
As Assistant Manager, you will play a key role in the day-to-day running of the café, helping to lead the team, maintain high operational standards and deliver an outstanding guest experience.
You will work directly under the owners and be involved in both service and business operations, with opportunities to take on increasing responsibility as the business grows.
Key ResponsibilitiesTeam Leadership & Operations
- Support the daily running of the café
- Lead shifts and ensure smooth service throughout the day
- Motivate, coach and develop team members
- Maintain exceptional customer service standards
- Assist with recruitment, onboarding and training
- Ensure opening and closing procedures are completed to a high standard
- Uphold cleanliness, organisation and operational excellence throughout the café
Business Performance
- Assist with rota planning and labour management
- Monitor stock levels and support ordering processes
- Help manage wastage and improve operational efficiency
- Support KPI reporting and performance tracking
- Work closely with the owners to identify opportunities for growth and improvement
Coffee Programme
- Maintain high speciality coffee standards
- Support espresso quality control and consistency
- Prepare and serve coffee to an exceptional standard
- Experience with V60 and manual brew methods is highly desirable
- Assist with seasonal drinks development and menu innovation
- Train and support team members in coffee preparation and service standards
What We’re Looking For
- Previous experience in a supervisory, senior barista or management role within hospitality
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic
- Excellent customer service skills
- Passion for hospitality and speciality coffee
Desirable
- Experience with labour management and rota planning
- Understanding of stock control and ordering
- Knowledge of COGS and hospitality KPIs
- Experience with speciality coffee and espresso dialling-in
- Experience with V60 and filter coffee brewing
- Experience training baristas and hospitality teams
- Familiarity with systems such as Square, Tenzo, MarketMan or similar hospitality platforms
- Experience contributing to menu development
What We Offer
- £30,000–£45,000 salary depending on experience
- KPI and performance-based incentive scheme
- Clear progression pathway towards a Café Manager position and above as the company grows
- Opportunity to work directly alongside the owners and influence the growth of the business
- Ongoing speciality coffee and hospitality training
- Staff discounts
- Supportive and ambitious team environment
How to Apply
Please apply with your CV and a short cover letter outlining:
- Your hospitality experience
- Your leadership or management experience
- Your speciality coffee experience
- Any experience with labour management, stock control or KPIs
- Why you would be a great fit for SAND
Weekend availability is essential.
We are looking for someone who is passionate about coffee, hospitality and people, and who is excited by the opportunity to grow into a management role within a fast-growing independent business.
Pay: £29,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
