We are seeking an experienced, enthusiastic and hands-on Café Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our café.
This is a working manager role, ideal for someone who enjoys leading by example. As a small café operating with a close-knit team, the Café Manager will be actively involved in every aspect of the business. This includes preparing and cooking food (including toasties), making coffees, serving customers, clearing tables, washing dishes, maintaining high standards of cleanliness, and supporting the team wherever needed. Alongside these operational duties, you will be responsible for managing the café, leading the team, and ensuring an exceptional customer experience.
We're looking for someone who isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves and get involved in every aspect of the café. With only two or three team members working at any one time, everyone is expected to be an all-rounder, and the Café Manager should lead from the front.
Duties
- Lead, motivate and support the café team, creating a positive, friendly and customer-focused environment.
- Be an active, hands-on member of the team by preparing and cooking food, making barista-quality coffees, serving customers, clearing tables, washing dishes, restocking and maintaining cleanliness throughout the café.
- Lead by example, delivering exceptional customer service and encouraging the same high standards across the team.
- Oversee the day-to-day running of the café, including opening and closing procedures.
- Manage stock levels, ordering and inventory to ensure the café operates efficiently.
- Ensure food is prepared safely and consistently, maintaining high standards of presentation and quality.
- Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, and cleanliness standards throughout the café and kitchen.
- Train, coach and support team members, ensuring everyone is confident working across all areas of the café.
- Prepare staff rotas and manage labour costs effectively.
- Develop seasonal menus and introduce new ideas that enhance the customer offering.
- Monitor customer feedback and implement improvements to continually enhance the café experience.
- Deal with customer enquiries and resolve any issues promptly, professionally and positively.
Requirements
- Proven experience in a managerial role within a café, restaurant or hospitality environment.
- Previous experience preparing food and working as a barista.
- A genuine passion for hospitality and creating memorable customer experiences.
- A hands-on approach with a willingness to support every aspect of the café's operation.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, coach and develop a small team.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Sound knowledge of food hygiene and food safety regulations.
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
- Flexible, reliable and happy to work as part of a small team where everyone contributes across all areas of the business.
About You
You'll enjoy being on the café floor just as much as managing behind the scenes. Whether it's preparing food, making coffees, serving customers, clearing tables, helping with the washing up, completing paperwork, ordering stock or supporting your colleagues, you'll be happy to get involved wherever needed.
You will lead by example, creating a welcoming atmosphere for customers and fostering a positive team culture. You'll understand that in a small café, no task is too big or too small, and you'll take pride in helping every part of the business run smoothly.
If you're passionate about hospitality, enjoy working as part of a close-knit team, and thrive in a hands-on leadership role, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £27,000.00-£30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Sick pay
Experience:
- Supervising: 1 year (required)
- Food safety: 1 year (required)
- Barista Trained: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
