Grind Coffee - Assistant Manager

Compass Group; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food service company in London is seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Manager for its café in Waterloo. The role involves leading a dynamic team, ensuring exceptional service, and managing operations in a vibrant environment. Ideal candidates will have hands-on hospitality experience, strong leadership skills, and a passion for service. This position offers competitive salary, full-time hours, and extensive growth opportunities with a focus on work-life balance and well-being benefits.

Benefits

Enhanced parental leave

Discounts on shopping and entertainment

Access to development pathways

Mental health resources

Contributory pension scheme

Healthcare benefits

Qualifications

• Led teams in a busy café, bar, or casual dining environment.
• Developed a positive, inclusive team culture.
• Maintained composure and focus during busy service.
• Exhibited energy and pride while leading by example.
• Eager to learn and grow in a high-growth environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the General Manager in leading the team.
• Manage the shift from café culture to bar operations.
• Drive service standards and engage with guests.
• Coach and develop Front of House team members.
• Take responsibility for daily operations and guest experience.

Skills

Hands-on hospitality experience

People-first leadership

Calm under pressure

Passion for service

Ambition & drive

Job description

Assistant Manager – GRIND Café, London Waterloo

Hours: 40 per week (variable shifts) Contract: Full-time Salary: £40,000 + Compass Benefits

Are you ready to bring the energy, the buzz, and the Grind magic to one of London’s most exciting café and bar locations?

Grind isn’t just a coffee spot — it’s an all‑day, all‑night vibe. From early‑morning flat whites to late‑night cocktails, we keep London moving, shaking and caffeinating. Now we’re looking for a passionate, hands‑on Assistant Manager to help lead the charge and support our management team in delivering the iconic Grind experience.

This is your chance to step into a high‑profile role, grow your leadership skills, and be part of a brand that’s as fast‑paced and exciting as the city itself — all backed by the stability, development and benefits of Compass Group.

About Life at Grind x Compass

As an Assistant Manager, you’re the heartbeat of the floor. You’ll work full‑time across variable shifts, supporting the General Manager to run a high‑traffic, high‑energy site with style.

You’ll get the best of both worlds:

• The creativity, culture and buzz of Grind
• The career pathways, training and benefits of Compass Group, the UK’s largest food and support services company

What You’ll Be Doing: The Fun & Flair

Vibe Co‑Pilot

Support the GM in leading, motivating and inspiring the team to deliver the legendary Grind service that turns guests into superfans.

Day‑to‑Night Dynamo

Help manage the seamless shift from morning café culture to evening bar energy — keeping operations smooth, fun and full of personality.

Service Champion

Be the face of the floor. Drive service standards, jump in where needed, and keep the energy high from open to close.

Team Builder

Coach, support and develop the Front of House team, helping every person grow their skills and confidence.

Operational Pro

Take responsibility for opening and closing, daily briefings, stock support, and ensuring the site runs like a well‑oiled (and well‑caffeinated) machine.

Guest Hero

Engage with guests, solve problems with a smile, and create the warm, electric atmosphere Grind is known for.

What You’ll Bring: Your Grind DNA

Hands‑On Hospitality Experience

You’ve led teams in a busy café, bar or casual dining environment and you thrive in the buzz.

People‑First Leadership

You love developing others, building strong relationships and creating a positive, inclusive team culture.

Calm Under Pressure

Busy service? No problem. You stay cool, focused and solutions‑driven.

A Passion for Service

You bring energy, personality and pride to every shift — and you lead by example.

Ambition & Drive

You’re ready to grow, ready to learn, and ready to make your mark on a high‑growth, premium brand.

The Perks: Grind Style, Compass Backing

Working with Grind and Compass unlocks a benefits package designed to support your life, your wellbeing and your career:

• Work‑Life Balance: Enhanced parental leave + the option to buy extra holiday
• Compass Benefits Hub: Discounts on shopping, cinema, tech, travel and more
• Career Growth: Access to huge development pathways across Compass Group
• Wellbeing Support: Mental health resources and Employee Assistance Programme

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

Ready to bring the vibe, lead the team, and help run one of London’s most exciting café‑bar spaces?

Let’s make great coffee, great cocktails and great memories — together.

About Us

As part of Compass you’ll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivaled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK’s biggest businesses.

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!