Bar & Restaurant Manager - Waterloo

Compass Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food and support services firm is seeking a Bar & Restaurant Manager for Grind Café in Waterloo Station, London. This full-time role offers a competitive salary plus benefits, while overseeing energetic operations and leading a passionate team. The role demands proven leadership in a high-volume venue, financial acumen, and a commitment to exceptional service. Enjoy ample career growth opportunities and a vibrant work environment that blends creativity with financial success.

Benefits

Enhanced Parental Leave

Access to Perks at Work for discounts

Personal Development and Career Pathways

Wellbeing Support and mental health assistance

Qualifications

• Experience in a high-volume café, bar, or casual dining environment.
• Ability to manage budgets and drive performance.
• Skills in building, training, and retaining a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate a team to deliver exceptional service.
• Manage the transition from café operations to bar services.
• Oversee budgeting and stock management.
• Engage with guests to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Skills

Proven hands-on leadership experience

Strong financial and organisational skills

Passion for people and service

Creative and ambitious mindset

Job description

Bar & Restaurant Manager - GRIND Cafe, Waterloo Station

Location: Waterloo Station | Hours: 40 per week (variable shifts) | Contract: Full-time | Salary: £50,000 + Compass Benefits

Are you ready to lead the charge at one of London's hottest café and bar brands in one of the busiest travel locations in London?

Grind isn't just a venue; it's a vibrant, all-day powerhouse that keeps London buzzing, from the first morning coffee to the last late-night cocktail. We're looking for a passionate and dynamic General Manager to bring the energy, the fun, and the unmatched service flair that defines the Grind experience at our Waterloo Station location.

This is your chance to own the vibe, inspire a top-tier team, and deliver a truly unforgettable guest journey. You'll get the excitement and culture of a forward-thinking brand like Grind, combined with the security and incredible benefits of Compass Group.

About the Grind and Compass Life

As a Grind General Manager, you're the star of the show. You'll lead a full-time, 40-hour week (with variable shifts) at a vibrant, high-traffic site, earning a competitive salary + Compass Benefits.

You will be part of the wider Compass Group, the UK's largest food and support services firm, meaning you get the best of both worlds: the creative freedom and brand buzz of Grind, and the powerful support, career development, and comprehensive perks of a market-leading group.

What You'll Be Doing: The Fun & Flair

• Vibe Master: Lead, motivate, and inspire your team to deliver legendary service that turns first-time visitors into lifelong fans.
• Day-to-Night Maestro: Seamlessly manage the transition from a bustling café by day to a vibrant bar by night, ensuring smooth, energetic operations around the clock.
• Financial Guru: Flex your business muscles by managing budgets and stock to drive peak performance and profit.
• Team Developer: Develop and mentor your staff, helping every person achieve their full potential and fostering a fun, positive, and safe working environment.
• Guest Champion: Proactively engage with guests, creating a welcoming and electric atmosphere that keeps them coming back.

What You'll Bring: Your Grind DNA

• Hospitality Leader: Proven, hands‑on leadership experience in a high-volume café, bar, or casual dining environment.
• Commercial Sharpness: Strong financial and organisational skills—you know how to make the numbers work while keeping the fun going.
• People-First Focus: A genuine passion for people, with a service-driven attitude and the ability to build, train, and retain a fantastic team.
• Creative Drive: You are creative, ambitious, and ready to make a significant impact on a premium, high-growth brand.

The Perks: Grind Style, Compass Backing

• Working with Grind and Compass means unlocking a fantastic benefits package designed for you:
• Work-Life Balance: Access to enhanced Parental Leave and the option to purchase additional holiday to ensure you have time to recharge.
• Compass Benefits Hub: Access to Perks at Work, a massive platform for savings and discounts on shopping, cinema tickets, technology, and more!
• Grow Your Career: Unrivalled Personal Development and Career Pathways across the entire Compass Group, helping you 'Move Up', 'Move Across', or 'Master your Craft'.
• Wellbeing Support: Access to mental health support and an Employee Assistance Programme.

Ready to mix the best coffee with the coolest cocktails and lead a team at an iconic London landmark?