Grind Coffee - Assistant Manager

OneRetail; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading café and bar operator in London seeks an energetic Assistant Manager to lead and inspire a high-performing team. The role involves managing daily operations, ensuring exceptional service standards, and developing team members in a vibrant café-bar environment. Candidates should bring hands-on hospitality experience, strong relationship-building skills, and the ability to thrive under pressure. This position offers competitive pay and an extensive benefits package, supporting personal development and a balanced lifestyle.

Benefits

Enhanced parental leave

Career growth opportunities

Mental health resources

Travel and grocery discounts

Qualifications

• Led teams in busy café or bar environments with proven experience.
• Strong relationship-building and positive team culture creation.
• Ability to stay calm and solutions-driven under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Support GM in leading and inspiring the team.
• Manage shift transitions between café and bar.
• Drive service standards and maintain high energy.
• Coach and develop the Front of House team.
• Handle daily operations and ensure smooth running of the site.
• Engage with guests and create a vibrant atmosphere.

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

We provide a comprehensive benefits package which includes a contributory pension scheme, career pathways, MyLearning programmes, digital GP access, healthcare benefits, travel discounts, grocery discounts, cinema discounts, cash rewards, free wellness classes, and share discounts with 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 unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

EEO Statement

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!