CafÉ Manager

Carlton Young Recruitment; Norleywood; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent garden centre in the New Forest is seeking a Café Manager to oversee front of house operations and manage a customer-focused team. The ideal candidate has a strong background in café management, excellent organizational skills, and is capable of training staff. This full-time role offers a salary up to £29,956 (d.o.e) and requires access to a vehicle for location purposes.

Benefits

Free parking

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a café/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 (FOH) operations and lead the team.
• Work closely with the kitchen to deliver consistent service.
• Train and support the team, manage costs, and ensure safety standards.

Skills

Leadership in FOH operations

Customer service

Organizational skills

Hygiene management

Problem-solving

Job description

Overview

CAFÉ MANAGER - INDEPENDENT GARDEN CENTRE - BASED IN THE NEW FOREST, NEAR LYMINGTON - CIRCA £28,000 (DOE) - NO LATE NIGHTS - 40 hrs ALTERNATE WEEKENDS

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 (FOH) 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 café/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 (d.o.e) on completion of probation.

Because of the location of this venue, the applicant must have access to a vehicle. Free parking is provided.

We value all applications, however, due to volume numbers we are only able to contact candidates whose skills and experience closely match the requirements of our clients.

In line with the requirements of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK and will be asked to provide documented evidence of eligibility. In line with the requirements of the Employment Agencies Act 1973 we are prohibited from charging work-seekers for work finding services