Overview
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Café and wine Bar Manager to lead and oversee daily operations within a busy hospitality environment. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, extensive hospitality experience, and a passion for delivering exceptional customer service. This role offers an exciting opportunity to manage a vibrant team, ensure high standards of food safety and quality, and create a welcoming atmosphere for all patrons.
Buona Bottega is an independent Sicilian café, deli and wine bar on Brentwood High Street.
We are looking for an experienced, confident and hands-on Front of House Manager to help lead the daily operation, support the team and deliver a warm, polished guest experience from daytime café service through to evening wine bar service.
This is a key role in a growing independent business. You will help bring structure, consistency and high standards to the shop, while keeping the atmosphere relaxed, welcoming and personal.
About the role
You will work closely with the owners to manage the day-to-day running of Buona Bottega. The role includes leading the front of house team, maintaining service standards, supporting food and drink sales, managing shifts and making sure every guest receives a memorable experience.
This is a hands-on role. You will be expected to lead from the floor, support the team during busy periods and take ownership of the guest journey.
Responsibilities
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading and supporting the front of house team during service
- Delivering a warm, professional and personal guest experience
- Managing daily shifts, breaks, rotas and staff performance
- Training team members on service standards, product knowledge and customer care
- Ensuring the shop is clean, organised and well-presented at all times
- Supporting café, deli and evening wine bar service
- Handling customer feedback professionally and calmly
- Supporting stock checks, ordering and waste control
- Driving sales through confident product recommendations and upselling
- Working with the owners to improve systems, service and daily operations
- Ensuring health, safety, hygiene and licensing standards are followed
About you
You will be someone who is confident, organised and naturally good with people. You should enjoy hospitality, take pride in high standards and be comfortable leading a team in a busy environment.
You will need:
- Previous experience as a manager, assistant manager or supervisor in hospitality
- Strong front of house experience
- Excellent customer service and communication skills
- The ability to lead a team calmly and professionally
- Good organisation and attention to detail
- Confidence handling busy services and solving problems quickly
- A positive attitude and strong work ethic
- An interest in Italian food, wine, coffee or deli-style hospitality
- Professional behaviour and reliability at all times
Experience in a café, restaurant, deli, wine bar or premium hospitality environment would be ideal.
What we offer
- A key role in a growing independent business
- The chance to help shape service standards and team culture
- A beautiful high street venue with a strong Italian food and wine concept
- Supportive owners who care about quality, hospitality and building something special
- A varied role across daytime café service, deli service and evening wine bar service
Working hours
This is a full-time role. Buona Bottega is open 7 days a week, with shifts between 8:30am and 11:30pm.
Evening and weekend availability is required.café activities, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations
- Oversee food preparation and cooking processes to maintain quality standards
- Manage staff schedules, delegate tasks, and supervise team members including serving staff and baristas
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and uphold hygiene standards across the establishment
- Monitor inventory levels, place orders for supplies, and manage stock control efficiently
- Develop menus in collaboration with culinary staff, incorporating fresh ingredients and innovative ideas
- Provide excellent customer service by addressing guest concerns promptly and professionally
- Organise training programmes for staff to enhance skills in food production, hospitality, and safety procedures
- Maintain a welcoming environment that encourages repeat business and positive reviews
- Handle administrative duties such as cash handling, record keeping, and reporting
Qualifications
- Proven experience in restaurant or café management with supervising experience in a hospitality setting
- Strong knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques, and culinary practices
- Demonstrable team management skills with the ability to motivate staff and foster teamwork
- Excellent understanding of food safety standards and regulations
- Previous experience in food production, kitchen operations, or hotel management is highly desirable
- Barista experience or background in serving beverages is advantageous
- Leadership qualities with the ability to organise tasks efficiently under pressure
- Exceptional communication skills and a friendly demeanour suitable for a customer-facing role
- Relevant qualifications or certifications in hospitality or food safety are preferred
This role offers an engaging environment for passionate hospitality professionals eager to lead a dedicated team while delivering memorable experiences to guests.
Pay: £24,420.00-£38,178.96 per year
Work Location: In person
