Cafe & Bar Manager

Compass Group UK; Wareham; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in Wareham is seeking a Café & Bar Manager to oversee the Recruits Café & Bar operations. The role requires managing day-to-day café responsibilities, leading a small team, and ensuring high standards of food hygiene and customer service. Candidates must have experience in hospitality or retail and strong leadership skills. Join us to make a real impact on customers' experiences in a lively environment.

Qualifications

• Must have previous experience in a catering, hospitality, or retail environment.
• Should possess strong organisational skills for managing stock and orders.
• Experience in managing a team and handling rotas is essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily café and bar operations, including cooking fresh snack items.
• Manage weekly stock takes and place food & beverage orders.
• Lead, support, and develop a team of 6 staff members.

Skills

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

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.