About the Role
Marie’s Tearoom and Marie’s Emporium are looking for a reliable, practical and hands-on Assistant Manager / Duty Manager to help lead the day-to-day running of both sides of the business.
This is a working management role. You will be part of the team on shift, working directly in the tearoom, kitchen, front of house and emporium as needed, while also managing the daily workload, keeping staff focused, maintaining standards and making sure the business runs smoothly.
At any one time, you will usually be working alongside around two other team members. The current core team includes four other staff members, with a wider team of around ten additional staff across our sister company, working under other leads.
This role is ideal for someone who can lead from the front, work at pace, and take responsibility for day-to-day operations without needing to step away from practical work.
The role has the potential to develop into a Team Manager position in the future for the right person.
Main Purpose of the Role
The Assistant Manager / Duty Manager will be responsible for helping ensure that Marie’s Tearoom and Marie’s Emporium are well-run, well-presented and operating effectively each day.
You will help manage:
- day-to-day operations,
- staff workload and task allocation,
- customer service standards,
- tearoom and emporium presentation,
- service speed and efficiency,
- sales and financial targets,
- cleaning and hygiene standards,
- events and bookings,
- and team communication during shifts.
You will also be expected to work hands-on as part of the rota, including front of house, kitchen support and emporium cover.
Development Opportunity
This role has the potential to develop into a Team Manager position in the future.
For the right person, this could become a more senior management role, taking greater responsibility for staff, standards, targets, rotas, training, events and day-to-day business performance across Marie’s Tearoom and Marie’s Emporium.
Progression would be based on performance, reliability, leadership ability, confidence managing shifts, ability to support financial targets, and the needs of the business.
We are looking for someone who wants to grow with the business and become a key part of the team long-term.
Main ResponsibilitiesDay-to-Day Operations
- Take responsibility for the smooth running of daily operations during shifts.
- Manage your own workload while also helping manage the workload of the team.
- Make sure staff know what they are doing and what needs to be completed.
- Allocate tasks clearly and fairly during the day.
- Keep the team focused during both busy and quieter periods.
- Make sure opening, closing, cleaning and service routines are completed properly.
- Keep the tearoom and emporium clean, organised, welcoming and well-presented.
- Identify issues during the day and take practical steps to resolve them.
- Communicate concerns, improvements and updates to the owner or senior management.
Working as Part of the Team
- Work hands-on as part of the rota.
- Support front of house service, kitchen duties and emporium cover as needed.
- Lead by example rather than managing from the side.
- Step in wherever help is needed during busy periods.
- Cover breaks and support staff during service.
- Help create a positive, practical and supportive working environment.
- Show staff what good standards look like through your own work.
- Balance practical tasks with leadership responsibilities.
Tearoom, Kitchen and Front of House Support
- Serve customers in a friendly and professional way.
- Take orders, serve food and drinks, clear tables and use the till.
- Support kitchen operations where required, including basic food preparation, plating, drinks, washing up and cleaning.
- Help keep service fast, friendly and consistent.
- Maintain food hygiene, allergen and health and safety standards.
- Support afternoon teas, bookings, parties and events.
- Keep the tearoom looking clean, welcoming and ready for customers.
Emporium Support
- Help oversee the smooth running of Marie’s Emporium.
- Support retail sales, stock, displays and customer service.
- Help keep the emporium clean, tidy, welcoming and well-presented.
- Support seasonal displays, product promotions and customer orders.
- Step in to cover the emporium when needed.
- Help ensure products are presented attractively and customers receive good service.
Targets, Standards and Business Performance
- Help the business work towards sales, service and financial targets.
- Monitor daily performance and raise concerns if targets are not being met.
- Help reduce waste, control costs and improve efficiency.
- Support upselling and good customer service across both sites.
- Make sure cleaning, presentation and operational standards are maintained.
- Help identify what is working well and what needs improving.
- Take responsibility for making sure the business looks good, feels welcoming and runs properly.
Staff Support and Leadership
- Help new staff settle in and understand their duties.
- Support apprentices, team members and less experienced staff.
- Give clear instructions and practical feedback.
- Encourage good timekeeping, reliability and positive behaviour.
- Help staff stay focused and productive throughout the day.
- Support a positive team culture.
- Escalate issues to the owner or senior management when needed.
- Help staff understand expectations around speed, service, cleanliness and professionalism.
Events and Busy Periods
- Support the planning and running of events, parties and seasonal activities.
- Help ensure events are set up, staffed and delivered properly.
- Be willing to work additional hours where needed for events or busy periods.
- Support children’s activities, afternoon teas, cupcake decorating parties and other bookings where required.
- Help with clear down and reset after events.
- Keep events organised, welcoming and running to time.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone who is:
- Reliable, organised and proactive.
- Confident leading a small team.
- Willing to work hands-on as part of the rota.
- Able to manage their own workload and support the workload of others.
- Calm under pressure.
- Fast and practical during busy service.
- Friendly and professional with customers.
- Able to work across tearoom, kitchen, front of house and retail areas.
- Comfortable giving clear direction to staff.
- Able to take responsibility for day-to-day operations.
- Flexible with shifts, including weekdays, weekends, holidays and events.
- Focused on standards, targets and getting the job done properly.
- Interested in growing into a more senior management role in the future.
This role would suit someone with experience in:
- hospitality,
- café or tearoom work,
- catering,
- retail,
- team leading,
- duty management,
- customer service,
- events,
- or small business operations.
Previous management experience is helpful, but the right attitude, reliability and ability to lead from the front are just as important.
Team Structure
You will usually be working alongside around two other team members during a shift.
The current core team includes four other staff members across Marie’s Tearoom and Marie’s Emporium. There is also a wider team of around ten additional staff across our sister company, working under other leads.
This means you need to be comfortable working in a small-team environment where everyone helps practically, but where clear leadership and communication are still important.
Required Availability
Applicants must be able to work an average of 4 days per week.
This will include:
- full weekday shifts,
- weekend shifts,
- additional hours for events where needed,
- occasional cover during holidays, sickness or busy periods.
Weekend availability is essential.
Essential Requirements
- Previous experience in hospitality, retail, catering, customer service or team leadership.
- Ability to work at pace.
- Confidence working with customers.
- Good communication skills.
- Strong reliability and timekeeping.
- Ability to lead by example.
- Willingness to work hands-on in different areas of the business.
- Ability to manage day-to-day tasks and staff workload.
- Flexibility to work weekdays and weekends.
- Ability to support targets, standards and daily operations.
Desirable Experience
- Café, tearoom or restaurant experience.
- Kitchen or food preparation experience.
- Food hygiene knowledge or qualification.
- Experience supervising staff.
- Retail experience.
- Events or party-hosting experience.
- Stock control experience.
- Till, cash handling or card machine experience.
- Social media or content confidence.
What Success Looks Like
A successful Assistant Manager / Duty Manager will:
- Keep both the tearoom and emporium running smoothly day to day.
- Work as part of the team while also leading the shift.
- Manage their own workload and help manage the team’s workload.
- Make sure staff know what they are doing.
- Step in wherever needed without waiting to be asked.
- Keep service fast, friendly and organised.
- Help the business work towards sales and financial targets.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, presentation and customer service.
- Support events and busy periods confidently.
- Help reduce stress on the owner by taking responsibility for daily operations.
- Lead by example and be a positive presence in the team.
- Show potential to develop into a Team Manager role.
Example Duties on a Shift
On a typical day, you may be asked to:
- Open the tearoom or emporium.
- Check staff know their roles for the day.
- Support front of house during busy periods.
- Help in the kitchen when needed.
- Cover breaks.
- Check displays, tables, stock and cleanliness.
- Deal with customer queries.
- Support an afternoon tea or party booking.
- Help set up or run an event.
- Monitor sales, waste, workload and staffing.
- Keep the team focused on tasks and service.
- Make sure closing tasks are completed properly.
- Report any issues, concerns or improvements needed.
Benefits
- Staff discounts across Marie’s Tearoom, Marie’s Emporium and associated businesses.
- Varied role across hospitality, retail and events.
- Opportunity to grow into a more senior Team Manager role.
- Supportive small-business environment.
- Additional hours available during events and busy periods.
Pay: Up to £15.00 per hour
Experience:
- Hospitality: 1 year (required)
- Supervising: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
