Catering Manager

Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A dedicated historical preservation organization in Greater London is seeking a hands-on Café Manager / Team Leader to oversee operations at its heritage-themed NAAFI café. This role focuses on delivering exceptional service while maintaining a welcoming environment for visitors and veterans. The ideal candidate will have a background in hospitality management, excellent communication skills, and relevant food hygiene qualifications. Join us to be part of a unique experience that blends community spirit with history.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Potential event bonuses

Opportunities for development

Qualifications

• Experience in hospitality, preferably in a supervisory or management position.
• Ability to work in both front and back of house roles.
• Strong communication skills and a naturally warm, welcoming approach.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day café operations in a heritage-themed environment.
• Deliver warm, friendly customer service that reflects the 1940s spirit.
• Supervise, coach, and motivate the café team.

Skills

Customer service

Leadership

Communication

Food hygiene

Education

Level 3 food hygiene certificate

NVQ Level 2 in catering and hospitality

Job description

Join a Remarkable Company with a Truly Special Mission

Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre is a wonderful organisation dedicated to preserving Britain’s wartime history, and bringing it to life. At the heart of our work is the remembrance of Bomber Command and an ambitious and inspiring goal: to return our Avro Lancaster Just Jane to the skies.

Our newly refitted 1940s‑style NAAFI café plays a key role in supporting this mission, providing a warm, friendly, and nostalgic environment for visitors, veterans, aviation enthusiasts, and families alike. треймы looking for a hands‑on, upbeat Café Manager / Team Leader to help lead this next chapter.

About the Role

This is not your average café job; it’s a chance to be part of living history.

You’ll oversee the daily running of our heritage‑themed NAAFI café, ensuring visitors enjoy exceptional service in a welcoming, period‑inspired setting. You’ll lead a small team, maintain operational standards, and help bring the 1940s spirit of camaraderie, community, and genuine hospitality to life.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day café operations within our newly upgraded, authentic wartime‑themed environment.
• Deliver warm, friendly service that reflects the spirit isum a 1940s NAAFI.
• Supervise, coach, and motivate the café team.
• Manage rotas, daily task assignments, and staff coordination.
• Oversee stock control, ordering, and supplier relationships.
• Creating new menus.
• Ensure food safety, cleanliness, and compliance standards are consistently met.
• Support the financial performance of the café through efficient operations and cost management.
• Engage positively with visitors, including veterans, families, and aviation enthusiasts.
• Manage the operation of multiple catering outlets for large‑scale events with support from our experienced team.
• Work on bank holidays and event days.

About You

Experience in hospitality, preferably in a supervisory or management position.

The candidate will preferably have experience in both front and back of house.

A hands‑on leader who thrives in a busy, people‑facing environment.

Strong communication skills and a naturally warm, welcoming approach.

Organised, proactive, and capable of maintaining high standards.

The candidate will ideally have a Level 3 food hygiene certificate and an NVQ level 2 in catering and hospitality.

What We Offer

The chance to contribute directly to an iconic British aviation project.

A unique working environment filled with history, community spirit, and purpose.

A supportive team and opportunities for development.

Competitive pay with the potential of event bonuses and a brand‑new, beautifully refitted café to lead.