Launch Café Manager: Build a Brand‑New Site

Chartwells Independent; Southampton; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

Digital GP & wider healthcare

Travel discounts

Cinema discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness & mindfulness

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I is opening a brand-new café in Southampton, offering a first‑hour rush and long‑term growth. As Café Manager, you’ll set the standards, lead by example and shape how the site looks, feels, and operates from day one.

You’ll recruit, train and develop a strong team, ensuring exceptional service and consistent quality across food, coffee and presentation while managing stock and operational processes.

Qualifications

• Experience running a café, retail unit, or fast-paced food environment.
• Strong leadership, team-building and operations shaping.
• Organised, proactive and calm under pressure.
• Passionate about good food and great coffee.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day running of a newly opened café.
• Recruit, train and develop a strong team.
• Set and maintain high standards across food, coffee and presentation.
• Manage stock, performance and operational processes.
• Create a warm, relaxed and welcoming space from day one.
• Embed consistency – because the little details matter.
• Ensure Health & Safety standards are met.

Skills

Hands-on leadership

People management

Organised

Calm under pressure

Job description

Compass Group UK&I is opening a brand-new café in Southampton, offering a first‑hour rush and long‑term growth. As Café Manager, you’ll set the standards, lead by example and shape how the site looks, feels, and operates from day one.

You’ll recruit, train and develop a strong team, ensuring exceptional service and consistent quality across food, coffee and presentation while managing stock and operational processes.