Cafe Coordinator in Wokingham

We are looking for an enthusiastic, organised and customer-focused Café Coordinator to lead the day-to-day operation of our busy café while supporting young people to develop valuable catering, barista and employability skills. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone with a passion for hospitality who enjoys mentoring others and creating a welcoming environment for customers, staff and students.

Working closely with the Head of Centre and SEND team, you will play a key role in delivering an outstanding café experience while helping students gain confidence, practical skills and meaningful work experience.

About the role

As a Café Coordinator, you will oversee the daily operation of the café, ensuring high standards of food quality, customer service, cleanliness and compliance with food safety legislation. Alongside managing the café, you will coach and support students undertaking work experience placements, helping them achieve their learning goals and prepare for future employment. This role combines hospitality management with education and mentoring, making it ideal for someone who enjoys developing people as much as delivering excellent customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the café, delivering an excellent hot and cold food and beverage service.
• Provide exceptional customer service to students, staff and members of the public.
• Prepare and serve food and beverages, including operating a barista-style coffee machine.
• Assist with food preparation and cooking, promoting healthy, balanced menu choices.
• Order food and monitor stock levels to meet budget targets.
• Receive deliveries, manage stock rotation and maintain accurate stock control.
• Ensure all food hygiene, food safety, allergen and health and safety legislation is followed and accurately recorded.
• Restock supplies and ensure equipment is cleaned and stored safely.

This role is part time (working 28 hours per week), fixed term contract until July 2027 based at our Wokingham Hub.

What you need to be successful as a Café Coordinator at Activate Learning

• Experience supervising or managing a café, coffee shop or hospitality environment.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Experience preparing and serving food and beverages.
• Knowledge of food hygiene, food safety, allergen management and health and safety legislation.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage stock, ordering and cash handling.
• A positive, patient and supportive approach to working with young people, including those with additional learning needs.
• A recognised Food Hygiene qualification (or willingness to obtain one).
• Barista experience would be an advantage.

Who we are

We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish.

When you work for Activate Learning, you’re working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone. Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.

Why work with the Activate Learning Group

• Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards: Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award‑winning Learning Philosophy.
• Wellbeing & Resources Groups: Comprehensive range of resources, guides and tools to support staff wellbeing.
• Company benefits: Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.
• Learning and Development: continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through our in‑house L&D team.
• Teaching Support: Tailored induction and development programs for teaching staff.
• Pension Schemes: Teacher and Local Government pension schemes for Activate Learning staff.
• Generous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leave.
• Competitive salaries: Annual incremental progression and a twelve point pay scale for teachers.
• On‑Site Facilities: Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access.

Applicants should apply at the earliest opportunity; closed vacancies will prevent application form submission. Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis, we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts. Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level. Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning are committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage, please contact the talent team directly.