Assistant Manager

Compass Group PLC; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality company in London seeks an enthusiastic Assistant Manager to support the General Manager. The candidate will thrive in a dynamic café and bar setting, overseeing operations and team development. Responsibilities include enhancing customer experiences, managing busy services, and creating an inclusive culture. This full-time position offers a salary of £40,000 plus benefits, representing a significant step in your career progression while being part of a well-established organization.

Benefits

Enhanced parental leave

Discounts on shopping and travel

Access to mental health resources

Contributory pension scheme

Exclusive travel discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in a busy café, bar, or casual dining environment.
• Strong relationship-building and team culture skills.
• Ability to stay focused and solutions-driven during busy service.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and inspire the team to deliver exceptional service.
• Manage the transition from morning café to evening bar operations.
• Coach and develop the Front of House team.
• Engage with guests and maintain a positive atmosphere.

Skills

Hands-On Hospitality Experience

Team Development

Calm Under Pressure

Passion for Service

Ambition & Drive

Job description

As an Assistant Manager, you're the heartbeat of the floor. You'll work full-time across variable shifts, supporting the General Manager to run a high-traffic, high-energy site with style. You'll get the best of both worlds:

• The creativity, culture and buzz of Grind
• The career pathways, training and benefits of Compass Group, the UK's largest food and support services company

What You'll Be Doing

• Support the GM in leading, motivating and inspiring the team to deliver the legendary Grind service that turns guests into superfans.
• Help manage the seamless shift from morning café culture to evening bar energy – keeping operations smooth, fun and full of personality.
• Be the face of the floor – drive service standards, jump in where needed, and keep the energy high from open to close.
• Coach, support and develop the Front of House team, helping every person grow their skills and confidence.
• Take responsibility for opening and closing, daily briefings, stock support and ensuring the site runs like a well‑oiled machine.
• Engage with guests, solve problems with a smile and create the warm, electric atmosphere Grind is known for.

What You'll Bring

• Hands‑On Hospitality Experience: You've led teams in a busy café, bar or casual dining environment and thrive in the buzz.
• You love developing others, building strong relationships and creating a positive, inclusive team culture.
• Calm Under Pressure: Busy service? No problem. You stay cool, focused and solutions‑driven.
• A Passion for Service: You bring energy, personality and pride to every shift – and you lead by example.
• Ambition & Drive: You're ready to grow, ready to learn and ready to make your mark on a high‑growth, premium brand.

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Hours: 40 per week (variable shifts)
Contract: Full‑time
Salary: £40,000 + Compass Benefits

Are you ready to bring the energy, the buzz and the Grind magic to one of London's most exciting café and bar locations? Grind isn't just a coffee spot – it's an all‑day, all‑night vibe. From early‑morning flat whites to late‑night cocktails, we keep London moving, shaking and caffeinating. Now we're looking for a passionate, hands‑on Assistant Manager to help lead the charge and support our management team in delivering the iconic Grind experience. This is your chance to step into a high‑profile role, grow your leadership skills and be part of a brand that's as fast‑paced and exciting as the city itself – all backed by the stability, development and benefits of Compass Group.

Benefits

• Work‑Life Balance: Enhanced parental leave + the option to buy extra holiday
• Compass Benefits Hub: Discounts on shopping, cinema, tech, travel and more
• Career Growth: Access to huge development pathways across Compass Group
• Wellbeing Support: Mental health resources and Employee Assistance Programme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Unwind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families