At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant café/bar team to deliver amazing guest experiences and efficient service.
- Company: Well-known café/bar in the heart of Belfast, perfect for socialising and events.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, paid holidays, meal allowance, and internet allowance.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for growth and development in a fun environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on customer satisfaction and service quality.
- Qualifications: Experience in a supervisory role with strong leadership and guest service skills.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 28000 £ per year.
Our client, a well-known Cafe/Bar & private function establishment based in Belfast city centre, is seeking to recruit an assistant manager to join the management team. This role supports the daily café-bar operations, leading the team to deliver excellent guest experiences, efficient service, and strong financial results. This role acts as second-in-command to the Café Bar Manager, stepping up in their absence.
Key Responsibilities
- Operations management: Oversee opening/closing, floor service, barista/bar operations, stock control, cash handling, and till reconciliation. Maintain cleanliness, ambience, and service flow throughout shifts.
- Team leadership: Train, schedule, brief, and coach staff. Lead by example on the floor, manage breaks, and conduct performance feedback. Support hiring and onboarding.
- Customer experience: Ensure warm, efficient service; handle complaints and special requests professionally; uphold service standards and brand tone.
- Product quality: Monitor drink and food preparation standards, presentation, and portion control; conduct tastings and recipe adherence; manage allergens and labeling compliance.
- Compliance and safety: Enforce health and safety, food hygiene, licensing laws, and age verification. Keep accurate records (HACCP, temperature logs, cleaning schedules, incident reports).
- Inventory and suppliers: Manage ordering, deliveries, stock rotation, waste control, and variance checks; liaise with suppliers and service contractors.
- Sales and profitability: Support menu engineering, promotions, upselling, and events; track KPIs (ATV, covers, labour %, waste, mystery guest scores) and suggest improvements.
- Administration: Prepare rotas within labour budgets; manage daily reports, bookings, and events coordination; support payroll inputs and training records.
- Maintenance: Report and follow up on equipment issues; ensure barista equipment calibration and basic troubleshooting.
- Community and brand: Maintain café appearance and merchandising; support social media content and local partnerships where relevant.
Requirements
- Experience: 12 years in a supervisory role in a café/bar/restaurant; barista and basic bar skills essential.
- Skills: Strong people leadership, guest service, cash management, multitasking, and problem-solving. Confident with POS systems and basic Excel/Sheets.
- Knowledge: Food safety Level 2+ (or willingness to obtain), allergen management, licensing/Challenge 25 (or local equivalent).
- Attributes: Calm under pressure, hands-on, organised, commercially aware, and a team-first mindset. Flexible for early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Preferred: Food Safety Level 3, experience with specialty coffee, latte art, cocktails, and small events. First aid at work; familiarity with HACCP and digital checklists.
KPIs
- Guest satisfaction and reviews
- Average transaction value and sales growth
- Labour cost percentage and scheduling accuracy
- Waste and stock variance
- Compliance audit scores and training completion
Hours of work: 5 out of 7 days - 10.00am - 8.00pm
Salary: £27k - £28k + Additional benefits
If you feel you would be a suitable candidate for this management position, please forward your CV in strictest confidence via the link below.
Assistant Manager Cafe/Bar employer: Alchemy Recruitment Solutions
Join a vibrant and well-known Café/Bar in the heart of Belfast, where you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences. With a strong focus on employee development, this role offers opportunities for growth and advancement within a supportive work culture that values teamwork and innovation. Enjoy competitive benefits, including paid holidays and meal allowances, while working in a lively environment that fosters creativity and community engagement.
Contact Details:
Alchemy Recruitment Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Manager Cafe/Bar
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Alchemy Recruitment Solutions. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Alchemy Recruitment Solutions
Don't be shy about reaching out to Alchemy Recruitment Solutions directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Manager Cafe/Bar
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Alchemy Recruitment Solutions and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alchemy Recruitment Solutions
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
