Cafe Duty Manager

Leisure Solutions; Norleywood; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Café Manager for an independent garden centre in the New Forest. This full-time role involves leading daily front-of-house operations, managing stock, and ensuring food safety. Ideal candidates have proven experience leading teams in busy environments and are well-organised. A competitive salary up to £29,956 is offered upon probation. Free parking and the need for vehicle access due to location are provided.

Benefits

Free parking

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a cafe/FOH team in a busy, customer-focused setting.
• Strong grip on rotas, ordering, hygiene checks and allergen procedures.
• Calm under pressure with a friendly manner and high standards of presentation.

Responsibilities

• Run daily front-of-house operations and lead the team.
• Manage stock and champion food safety.
• Plan rotas and handle customer feedback.

Skills

Team leadership

Customer service

Organisational skills

Food safety knowledge

Budget management

Job description

Café Manager - Independent Garden Centre

Based in the New Forest, near Lymington – circa £28,000 (DOE) • 40 hrs • Alternate weekends • No late nights

Leisure Solutions specialise in the recruitment of Leisure and Hospitality professionals across the UK, working with a range of businesses to attract the right people, helping businesses thrive and improving lives.

We are assisting in the recruitment of a Café Duty Manager to join the catering team at this independent garden centre and nursery based in the New Forest.

Responsibilities

• Run daily front-of-house operations: set up for service, lead the team, and keep things calm, organised and friendly.
• Work closely with the kitchen and other departments to deliver consistent, timely service.
• Plan rotas and schedules for approval to ensure the right cover across the week.
• Order and manage stock; monitor freshness, availability and presentation.
• Champion food safety and allergens: ensure safe practice and clear communication.
• Maintain hygiene standards: keep café areas clean and tidy; complete and record required checks.
• Train and support the team: delegate effectively; coach great customer service.
• Manage costs: help keep expenses within budget; spot opportunities to reduce waste and grow sales.
• Support menu roll-outs and specials in line with agreed plans.
• Handle feedback: resolve minor complaints at source; escalate when needed.
• Help develop junior team members and support appraisals.
• Organise small in-house events (e.g. baby showers, afternoon teas, meetings) as required.

About you

• Proven experience leading a cafe/FOH team in a busy, customer-focused setting.
• A natural organiser who communicates clearly and collaborates.
• Strong grip on rotas, ordering, hygiene checks and allergen procedures.
• Hands-on, positive and solutions-focused; happy to step into different roles to cover absences.
• Calm under pressure with a friendly manner and high standards of presentation.

The company is an independent, well-established venue. They are offering a full-time permanent position, circa 40-hour contract with a salary up to £29,956 ( DOE ) on completion of probation. The applicant must have access to a vehicle due to location; free parking is provided.