Cafe Manager

Compass Group PLC; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent catering company is seeking a motivated Café Manager at the National Railway Museum in York. This hands-on role involves leading a team, managing daily operations, ensuring compliance, and delivering excellent customer service. The ideal candidate will have experience in café or public catering management, strong operational skills, and a proactive approach. Benefits include 25 days annual leave, free meals, and various wellness programs. Join during an exciting phase of the museum's development and help shape its hospitality offerings.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Free meals on duty

Free on-site parking

Exclusive travel discounts

Access to wellness, mindfulness, and fitness classes

Digital GP services for you and your family

Up to 44% off cinema tickets

Contributory pension scheme

Career Pathways and MyLearning development programmes

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing successful teams in a café or catering environment.
• Hands-on leadership style during busy service periods.
• Strong operational experience with P&L management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach your team for excellent customer experiences.
• Manage all operational and financial aspects of the café.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Team management

Operational management

Customer service excellence

P&L management

IT proficiency

Flexibility and adaptability

Job description

Role Overview

We're looking for a motivated and proactive Café Manager to take charge of the day‑to‑day catering operations at the National Railway Museum in York. This is a hands‑on role where you will not only manage and develop your team but also actively work alongside them to deliver exceptional service and product quality. As Café Manager, you will be at the heart of the operation, ensuring the café runs smoothly, meets financial targets, and provides an outstanding visitor experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and work alongside your team, providing hands‑on support during service to deliver excellent customer experiences.
• Deliver exceptional customer experiences, ensuring service and product quality exceed expectations.
• Manage all operational and financial aspects of the café, including P&L responsibility, budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Drive sales growth through staff engagement, promotions, and proactive marketing initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety, food safety, profit protection, and company policies.
• Build strong relationships with the General Manager, clients, and visitors to enhance satisfaction and retention.
• Monitor performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement action plans.
• Maintain accurate operational records, including reporting, stock control, and documentation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing successful teams in a café, retail catering, or public catering environment.
• Hands‑on leadership style, comfortable working alongside your team during busy service periods.
• Strong operational experience and a clear understanding of P&L management and commercial awareness.
• Results‑driven, with the ability to motivate and hold teams accountable.
• Confident and capable of challenging existing practices and introducing improvements.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to thrive in a fast‑paced, visitor‑focused environment.
• Proficient in IT and computer systems relevant to hospitality management.

Desirable

• Experience in contract catering or working closely with key stakeholders.
• Experience managing operations with fluctuating demand and high customer service expectations.

Benefits

Part of Compass Group UK&I, Restaurant Associates provides brilliant hospitality through our food, drink and services. We work with our partners and collaborate with our clients to achieve great things together. Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK's leading workplace as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Free meals on duty
• Free on‑site parking
• Exclusive travel discounts
• Access to wellness, mindfulness, and fitness classes
• Digital GP services for you and your family
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets
• Contributory pension scheme
• Career Pathways and MyLearning development programmes

About the Role

In this role, you will actively manage and support all aspects of a busy café, including service, team leadership, and operational delivery. You will lead by example, working alongside your team during service periods, monitoring quality, managing costs, and ensuring compliance. The National Railway Museum is undergoing significant development, making this an exciting time to join and contribute to its evolving hospitality offer.