Assistant Cafe Manager

Compass Group PLC; Old Woking; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality provider in the UK is looking for an experienced Assistant Café Manager to join their team at RHS Garden Wisley. The role involves supporting the Café Manager in daily operations, focusing on service excellence and team performance. Candidates should have supervisory experience in hospitality, excellent communication skills, and a can-do attitude. Benefits include annual leave, free meals, and access to wellness programs. This position ensures a positive environment for both staff and guests.

Benefits

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Free meals on duty

Free on-site parking

Exclusive travel discounts

Access to wellness and fitness classes

Digital GP services

Up to 44% off cinema tickets

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Qualifications

• Previous experience supervising teams in hospitality or contract catering.
• Strong communication skills focused on customer service.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all deliveries are checked and stored promptly.
• Supervise café team and create a positive work environment.
• Handle till operations, take orders, and process payments.
• Assist General Manager with finance tasks and inquiries.

Skills

Supervising frontline teams

Outstanding communication with guests and staff

Customer service focus

Ability to work under pressure

Team player

Job description

We're currently on the lookout for an experienced supervisor or assistant manager who has worked in hospitality or contract catering previously, to join us as our Assistant Café Manager at the prestigious RHS Garden Wisley, located in Woking. As the Assistant Café Manager, you will support the Café Manager in managing and optimising the day‑to‑day operations of the Wisley Café at RHS Garden Wisley, one of Restaurant Associates' flagship venues. This role focuses on operational excellence, process improvement, and team performance to deliver exceptional service and high operational standards.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all deliveries are checked and stored promptly and correctly.
• Supervise a team within the café, creating a positive environment where the team feels welcomed and supported.
• Use the till, take orders and receive payments.
• Complete weekly finance tasks and collaborate with the General Manager on duties and queries.
• Assist with café rotas following the General Manager's guidelines.
• Place orders for stock to maintain the correct stock levels.
• Delegate where necessary and ensure the team remains proactive.
• Comply with Food Handling & Hygiene standards.
• Comply with Health & Safety regulations.

Qualifications

• Previous experience supervising frontline teams within a similar environment.
• Good communication skills with a focus on outstanding customer service.
• Team player with a can‑do attitude.
• Ability to work under pressure whilst maintaining a positive attitude.
• Outstanding communication skills with guests, staff and the client.

Restaurant Associates is a leading premium hospitality provider with an ethos drawn from our history of fine and high‑quality dining in London and New York. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, diverse, fun, and dynamic place to work, with a commitment to putting our people first.

Benefits

• 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Free meals on duty.
• Free on‑site parking.
• Exclusive travel discounts.
• Access to wellness, mindfulness and fitness classes.
• Digital GP services for you and your family.
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Career Pathways and MyLearning development programmes.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. As a business, we are committed to sustainability‑led practices and are proud to have achieved 3 stars with the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s Food Made Good Programme.