Cafe & Bar Manager

Compass Group; Bovington; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company is seeking a Café & Bar Manager in Bovington. This role involves managing daily operations, overseeing a small team, and ensuring high food hygiene standards. The ideal candidate should have previous experience in the hospitality sector, strong organizational skills, and a customer-focused mindset. This is an exciting opportunity to influence the café's offerings and enhance customer experiences.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a catering, hospitality, or retail environment.
• Experience managing stock and orders.
• Good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily café and bar operations.
• Manage weekly stock takes and food orders.
• Lead and develop a team of 6 staff.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and customer service.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Confident people management

Customer-focused mindset

Hands-on approach

Job description

Café & Bar Manager - Recruits Café & Bar

Location: Bovington
Hours: Café open 0800-2200 (Mon-Fri) | 1700-2200 (Sat-Sun)

About the Role

We're looking for a hands‑on Café & Bar Manager to lead the Recruits Café & Bar in Bovington. This is a fast‑paced retail and catering role where you'll be actively involved in day‑to‑day operations, supporting customers' lived‑in experience, and leading a small team to deliver great food, drink, and service.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and oversee daily café and bar operations, including cooking fresh snack items (burgers, wraps, pizzas)
• Serve alcohol responsibly and operate the Costa coffee machine
• Manage weekly stock takes, place food & beverage orders, and maintain accurate inventory
• Lead, support, and develop a team of 6 staff
• Create and manage staff rotas, ensuring attendance is recorded accurately
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, health & safety, and customer service
• Drive innovation by developing new offers and retail opportunities to enhance the customer experience
• Ensure the unit is presented to a high standard throughout all opening hours

Person Specification

Essential

• Previous experience in a catering, hospitality, or retail environment
• Hands‑on approach with the ability to lead by example
• Strong organisational skills with experience managing stock and orders
• Confident people manager with rota and attendance management experience
• Good communication skills and a customer‑focused mindset

Desirable

• Experience managing a bar or licensed premises
• Knowledge of coffee machines (e.g. Costa)
• Food hygiene or catering qualifications
• Experience working in a busy, multi‑offer retail unit

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a lively catering and retail outlet, influence its offer, and make a real impact on customers' day‑to‑day experience.