At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant café, manage daily operations, and develop a passionate team.
- Company: Alma Barnes, a wellness-focused café brand loved by the community.
- Benefits: Earn £14-£15 per hour, enjoy staff food, unlimited drinks, and daytime hours only.
- Why this job: Join a growing brand with real opportunities for career progression in a fun environment.
- Qualifications: 1-2 years in café management, strong leadership, and operational instincts.
- Other info: Be part of a trendy café group expanding across London.
The predicted salary is between 14 - 15 £ per hour.
Alma is a wellness‑oriented café brand with a growing footprint across London. We are looking for an experienced Café Manager to lead our Barnes location — a busy, community‑loved spot known for great coffee, fresh food, and a genuinely warm atmosphere.
What you’ll be doing:
- Managing the full day‑to‑day operation of the café, including opening and closing.
- Leading and developing a team of 7.
- Maintaining service and quality standards across coffee, smoothies, and breakfast.
- Handling staff scheduling, coordination, and performance.
- Keeping on top of stock, waste, and supplier deliveries.
- Reporting to the Operations Director and contributing to broader brand decisions.
What we’re looking for:
- 1–2 years in a café or hospitality management role.
- A leader who sets the tone — calm under pressure, consistent, and accountable.
- Strong operational instincts: you notice what’s slipping before it becomes a problem.
- Genuine warmth with customers and a commitment to building a loyal regular base.
- Experience with staff scheduling and stock control.
What we offer:
- Starting salary of £14–£15 per hour depending on experience, plus TRONC.
- Daytime hours only — no evenings.
- Enrolment into the company pension scheme after 3 months.
- Staff food during every shift.
- Unlimited hot drinks.
- A stable, growing brand with real opportunity to progress as Alma expands.
Great cafés don’t run themselves. If you’re the one who makes it happen, we want to hear from you.
Experience: Required
Languages: English – Advanced
Employment: Full‑time
Schedule: 7:30AM - 5PM
Salary: £14 – £15 hourly
Benefits: Troncs, Bonus system
About Alma Café: Group of trendy breakfast & brunch restaurants located in Barnes, Primrose Hill, Hammersmith, Battersea & King's Cross.
Cafe Manager employer: Alma Cafe
Contact Detail:
Alma Cafe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cafe Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the café scene in your area! Visit local cafés, chat with managers, and understand what makes them tick. This will not only help you stand out but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend local events or workshops related to hospitality. You never know who you might meet that could help you land that Café Manager position at Alma.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions specific to café management. Think about how you would handle staff issues or maintain quality standards under pressure — we want to see your leadership skills shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed! Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and passion for creating a warm atmosphere that keeps customers coming back.
We think you need these skills to ace Cafe Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Coffee: When writing your application, let us know why you love coffee and the café culture. Share any personal experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for creating a warm atmosphere and serving great food.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you've led teams in the past. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to manage staff, handle scheduling, and maintain high service standards. This will show us you're the calm leader we need!
Be Detail-Oriented: Mention your experience with stock control and waste management. We appreciate candidates who can keep things running smoothly, so share any relevant achievements or strategies you've implemented in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alma Cafe
✨Know Your Café Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with Alma's menu, values, and what sets them apart in the café scene. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their brand.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your approach to managing a team. Share specific examples of how you've led a team in a busy environment, handled conflicts, or motivated staff. They want to see that you can maintain a calm atmosphere under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Operational Savvy
Prepare to talk about your experience with stock control and scheduling. Bring examples of how you’ve optimised operations in previous roles, as this will highlight your strong operational instincts and ability to prevent issues before they arise.
✨Emphasise Customer Connection
Alma values genuine warmth with customers, so think of stories where you’ve built relationships with regulars or turned a negative experience into a positive one. This will illustrate your commitment to creating a loyal customer base.