At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily café operations and create exceptional customer experiences.
- Company: Join Full Steam Espresso Ltd, a rapidly growing coffee business.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, wellness programs, and unlimited coffee.
- Other info: Fun, supportive environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting growth journey and shape the café's future.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in coffee management with strong leadership and customer service skills.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
Full Steam Espresso Ltd is an innovative, founder-led coffee business on an exciting growth trajectory.
The role of the Café Manager is responsible for leading daily operations, ensuring exceptional customer experiences, and driving the commercial success of the café (Door).
This role oversees team recruitment, training, and development while fostering a collaborative and high-performing workplace culture.
The manager will manage stock, budgets, and compliance with health and safety standards, while maintaining the highest quality of product and service.
They will also represent and grow the café’s brand through marketing initiatives, community engagement, and consistent visual identity.
Key Responsibilities
- Recruit, train, and manage a team of baristas.
- Foster a positive and collaborative workplace culture that emphasises quality, service, and professionalism.
- Schedule shifts effectively using Deputy to balance labour efficiency with service standards.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching and development opportunities, including weekly 121’s and quarterly reviews.
- Operations & Stock Control
- Oversee daily café operations, ensuring smooth service and adherence to company standards.
- Manage supplies and inventory levels, perform monthly stock takes, and monitor waste to optimise costs as per your KPI’s using Lightspeed.
- Implement and maintain systems for equipment maintenance and cleanliness, working closely with the in-house technical team.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety, pest control and food hygiene regulations. This includes ensuring all staff members complete their F&S level 2.
- Assist in budgeting and forecasting for café operations with your line manager and the finance team, assessing performance progress quarterly.
- Coffee, customer Experience & Sales
- Uphold the highest standard of specialty coffee preparation (using a Slayer espresso machine and Orea for pour-overs).
- Build strong relationships with customers, creating a welcoming environment that encourages loyalty and a sense of community.
- Monitor sales performance and implement strategies to meet and exceed revenue targets. This includes curating seasonal menus for drinks and food.
- Respond to customer feedback and resolve issues promptly.
- Brand & Marketing
- Represent and communicate the café’s brand values through service, environment, and product quality.
- Work with marketing teams and independently to develop local promotional initiatives and events to drive revenue and meet budget targets.
- Represent Assembly and Volcano Coffee Works at events (e. g. London Coffee Festival).
- Maintain and develop the café’s visual identity and ensure consistency across all touchpoints.
- Build community engagement and partnerships aligned with the brand.
- Support Brand and Education by delivering Coffee Masterclasses occasionally (brewing, barista, tastings)
- What We’re Looking For
- Minimum of 3 years' experience in a professional coffee-related role, ideally within a scaling business.
- Proven experience in café, hospitality, or retail management
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to train, coach, and motivate a team
- Excellent understanding of customer service and passion for specialty coffee
- Solid knowledge of stock control, budgeting, and cost management
- Familiarity with health, safety, and food hygiene standards (F&S Level 2 desirable)
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with both staff and customers
- Ability to analyse performance data and drive sales growth
- Creative mindset for menu curation, promotions, and community engagement
- Highly organised with strong problem-solving and adaptability skills
- Proficiency in scheduling and operational tools (e. g., Deputy or similar)
- Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working independently in a fast-paced environment.
What We Offer
- A casual, fun, and supportive working environment within a rapidly growing industry.
- Support with SCA regional and world competitions.
- Competitive salary plus bonus package.
- Company pension scheme.
- 2 Refresh Days and 1 Charity Day annually, plus extra time off in summer months.
- Half-yearly wellness programs and ongoing training opportunities.
- Fully stocked kitchen, team incentives, and activities.
- Unlimited coffee at work and 50% staff discount for home.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in Full Steam Espresso Ltd’s growth.
With ambitious plans ahead, you will help shape our educational initiatives and retail success, making a meaningful impact in London’s
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Café Manager in London employer: Assembly Coffee
Full Steam Espresso Ltd is an exceptional employer that fosters a casual, fun, and supportive work environment, perfect for those passionate about specialty coffee. With a strong emphasis on employee growth through ongoing training opportunities and wellness programs, team members can thrive in their roles while enjoying competitive salaries and unique benefits like unlimited coffee and generous staff discounts. Join us in shaping the future of our café and making a meaningful impact in the vibrant community of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Café Manager in London
✨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 Assembly Coffee. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Assembly Coffee
Don't be shy about reaching out to Assembly Coffee 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 Café Manager in London
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 Assembly Coffee 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 Assembly Coffee
✨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!
