Assistant Cafe Manager

Compass Group UK & Ireland; Woking; On-site; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading premium hospitality provider is seeking an experienced Assistant Café Manager to join their team at RHS Garden Wisley, UK. The role involves overseeing café operations, ensuring exceptional customer service, and facilitating team performance. Ideal candidates will have supervisory experience in hospitality, strong communication skills, and an ability to work under pressure. Competitive salary and benefits package included, along with a commitment to sustainable practices and employee inclusivity.

Benefits

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Free meals on duty

Free on-site parking

Exclusive travel discounts

Access to wellness classes

Digital GP services

Discounts on cinema tickets

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programmes

Qualifications

• Experience in hospitality or contract catering.
• Ability to maintain a positive atmosphere.
• Familiarity with Food Handling & Hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the café team and ensure a positive environment.
• Handle deliveries and maintain stock levels.
• Manage finance tasks and assist the General Manager.

Skills

Previous experience supervising frontline teams

Good communication skills

Team player attitude

Ability to work under pressure

Outstanding communication with guests

Job description

Job Introduction

Location: RHS Garden Wisley
Salary: £30,000 per annum
Contract Type: Full‑Time, Permanent, 5 days over 7 days

We are looking for an experienced supervisor or assistant manager who has worked in hospitality or contract catering, to join us as our Assistant Café Manager at the prestigious RHS Garden Wisley. This role focuses on operational excellence, process improvement, and team performance to support the delivery of exceptional service and high operational standards. The Assistant Café Manager will support the Café Manager to oversee staffing, training, inventory management, and service delivery, and to maintain smooth business operations. They will monitor key performance indicators, implement cost control measures, support financial targets, and ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations.

Why Join Us?

At Restaurant Associates we celebrate individuality and nurture talent. As Assistant Café Manager you will be supported by an experienced Café Manager to deliver outstanding customer service and learn a variety of new approaches. We offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• 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

Your Key Responsibilities

• Ensure all deliveries are checked and stored promptly and correctly.
• Supervise a team within the café, creating a positive environment where the team feel welcomed and supported.
• Use the till, take orders and receive payments.
• Complete weekly finance tasks and collaborate with the General Manager on related 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 are always proactive.
• Comply with Food Handling & Hygiene standards.
• Comply with Health & Safety regulations.

Who We’re Looking For

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

About Us

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 provide catering and hospitality services to iconic visitor attractions and destinations in the UK, including the Imperial War Museum London, Glyndebourne Opera House, Knebworth House, Design Museum, and Whipsnade Zoo. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, diverse, fun, and dynamic place to work, with a commitment to putting our people first and to sustainable practices.

Restaurant Associates is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.