Cafe Manager

Chartwells Independent; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality services provider seeks a Cafe Manager for the National Railway Museum in York. You will lead a dynamic team, managing all operational aspects and ensuring exceptional service delivery. Ideal candidates should have experience in café management, strong leadership skills, and a keen understanding of financial management. This role offers competitive compensation and opportunities for career development in a vibrant environment.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Free meals on duty

Free on-site parking

Exclusive travel discounts

Access to wellness programs

Digital GP services

Pension scheme

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach your team, providing hands-on support during service.
• Ensure service and product quality exceed expectations.
• Manage operational and financial aspects including budgeting and forecasting.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

P&L management

Team management

Sales growth

Tools

Hospitality management software

Job description

Cafe Manager

Location: National Railway Museum, York

Salary: Up to £33,500 per year

Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent, 5 over 7 days

Are you ready to lead a high-performing café team at one of the world’s most iconic visitor attractions?

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.

Why Join Us?

At Restaurant Associates, we celebrate individuality and nurture talent. As Café Manager, you’ll be supported by an experienced leadership team, gain exposure across a dynamic visitor‑led environment, and have the opportunity to develop your career within a world‑class attraction.

We offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• 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

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.

Your Key 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.

Who We’re Looking For

• 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.

About Us

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.

Job Reference: com/2711/60031001/52778122/SU #RA Venues

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!