Assistant Café Team Leader

Suffolk Wildlife Trust; Lowestoft; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation charity is seeking an Assistant Café Team Leader to support the café’s daily operations. In this role, you will ensure outstanding service, manage food preparation and stock, and supervise staff. Ideal candidates should have excellent communication skills, experience in a café environment, and the ability to lead a team effectively. This permanent position offers a starting salary of £17,675.00 per annum and comes with generous benefits including 33 days of annual leave, a pension contribution, and various discounts.

Benefits

33 days annual leave

9% employer pension contribution

Free 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme

Free life insurance from day one

Free access to a private GP

Discounts at high street retailers

10% discount in visitor centre cafes

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Confidence in preparing and serving food and maintaining cleanliness.
• Experience in a similar café environment is essential.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day running of the café.
• Lead the café team to deliver outstanding service.
• Manage food preparation and stock management.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service skills

Food preparation

Teamwork

Leadership

Tools

EPOS till systems

Job description

Overview

Carlton Marshes, located in the Waveney Valley at the southern tip of the Norfolk Broads near Lowestoft and part of the Suffolk Broads, is a mosaic habitats including grazing marsh, fens, peat pools, meadows, dykes and scrub that have evolved over centuries to support specialised wildlife.

Key Responsibilities

As the Assistant Café Team Leader, you will play a key role in supporting the smooth, day-to-day running of the café and ensuring an exceptional experience for every visitor. Working closely with the Team Leader, you will help lead the café team to deliver outstanding service, maintain high standards of presentation and uphold the welcoming, nature-inspired atmosphere that defines the Carlton Marshes Visitor Centre.

You will have responsibility for key operational areas including food preparation, stock management, and staff supervision deputising for the Café Supervisor when needed. Through your leadership, attention to detail and enthusiasm for great service, you will help ensure the café’s success as a friendly, efficient and financially sustainable part of the visitor experience — while supporting Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s mission to connect people with nature and bring wildlife back.

Key Qualifications

The successful candidate will have excellent communication and customer service skills, with confidence in preparing and serving food, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and working well as part of a team. Experience in a similar environment is essential, along with the ability to support and guide others in a busy setting. Proficiency with EPOS till systems and barista skills are desirable, as is previous experience in a supervisory or leadership role.

Working Hours and Salary

This is a permanent position working four out of seven days each week, including bank holidays and at least one weekend day each week on a rota basis. The starting salary will be £17,675.00 per annum (FTE £24,375.00).

• April to October - 28 hours per week over four days
• March to November - 26 hours per week over four days

Benefits

Annual leave entitlement starts at 33 days per annum (including Bank Holidays), increasing annually to 38 days plus employees receive an extra day off for their birthday. We offer a 9% employer pension contribution with no employee contribution required, free 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme, free life insurance from day one of employment, free access to a private GP and discounts at high street retailers. Staff can also enjoy a 10% discount in our visitor centre cafes, including retail.

Application Process

To apply for this opportunity, please submit an online application via our website by 9:00am on Monday 23 January 2026. The application process will include uploading a CV and optional cover letter. The interviews are planned for Thursday 26 January 2026 at Carlton Marshes Visitor Centre. Please indicate on the application your availability for interview.

Diversity Statement

Suffolk Wildlife Trust is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is welcome. As a conservation charity, we recognise the importance of diversity in both nature and our workforce of staff and volunteers. We strive to ensure that everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to our vision of “A Wilder Suffolk where nature is thriving and abundant because everyone is doing more to help”.