At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic café team and deliver exceptional food and customer service.
- Company: Join Restaurant Associates, a leader in premium hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career growth, and exclusive discounts on travel and shopping.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values your unique talents and promotes personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant café environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in café management and a passion for food and customer service.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Café Manager – Restaurant Associates is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Café Manager to lead our café operation and deliver outstanding food, coffee, and customer service. You'll oversee the day‑to‑day running of the café, ensuring high standards, driving commercial performance, and leading a motivated team in a premium hospitality environment.
Key responsibilities
- Lead, coach, and develop the café team.
- Deliver exceptional customer service and hospitality.
- Manage daily café operations, staffing, and service standards.
- Oversee stock control, ordering, and waste management.
- Monitor labour, budgets, and financial performance.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations.
- Drive sales and identify opportunities to enhance the customer experience.
We're looking for someone with
- Previous experience managing a café or similar hospitality operation.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent organisational and communication abilities.
- A commercial mindset with experience managing KPIs and budgets.
- A passion for food, coffee, and customer service.
- The ability to lead by example in a fast‑paced environment.
If you're a passionate hospitality professional who enjoys leading teams and creating exceptional customer experiences, join Restaurant Associates and help make our café the destination of choice every day.
Benefits
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
Cafe Manager NEW Restaurant Associates Posted today £19.06 per hour London Operations employer: Chartwells Independent
Restaurant Associates is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its team members in a vibrant London café setting. With a strong focus on professional development through Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes, employees enjoy a supportive work culture that values diversity and individual contributions. Additionally, generous benefits such as healthcare access, exclusive travel discounts, and wellness classes make it an attractive place for passionate hospitality professionals to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cafe Manager NEW Restaurant Associates Posted today £19.06 per hour London Operations
✨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 Chartwells Independent. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Chartwells Independent
Don't be shy about reaching out to Chartwells Independent 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 Cafe Manager NEW Restaurant Associates Posted today £19.06 per hour London Operations
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 Chartwells Independent 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 Chartwells Independent
✨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!
