Cafe Manager

Cafe Manager

Full-Time 30000 - 37300 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Chestnut Bakery

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a passionate team to create memorable experiences and maintain high standards.
  • Company: Join Chestnut Bakery, an award-winning bakery with a commitment to quality and community.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free food, 40% discount, private health cashback, and flexible earnings management.
  • Other info: Great career progression opportunities with 85% of management roles filled internally.
  • Why this job: Be part of a supportive team crafting exceptional baked goods and shaping the future of our bakery.
  • Qualifications: 2+ years in senior hospitality roles, strong leadership, and a passion for guest experiences.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 37300 £ per year.

We believe that a great team is the key to providing a welcoming, memorable experience for every customer.

If you love providing excellent service with a smile and you are ready to lead a team to excellence, this is your chance to find your place at Chestnut Bakery. p /p Join us and bring your unique talents to a team that’s as committed to excellence as it is to each other.

Together, we’re crafting something truly special! p /p Are you ready to be part of our amazing team and take the next step in your career?

Apply to be our next Cafe Manager today! p /p b Package Description /b br As a valued member of our team, you’ll enjoy: p /p Private Health Cashback for peace of mind.

Wagestream access to manage your earnings flexibly.

A strong focus on work-life balance – no late evenings!Free food during your shift and 40% discount across all our sites.

Unlimited coffee to keep you energised.

A paid day off for your birthday.

Refer a Friend scheme with generous bonuses.

Pension scheme and Cycle to Work opportunities.

Development and career progression, 85% of all our management roles are filled internally.

Service-based holiday accrual for long-term team members.

Participation in our Tronc scheme. b Main Responsibilities /b br As our Assistant General Manager, you’ll be second-in-command at one of London’s most loved artisanal bakeries—supporting the day-to-day operations while cultivating an energised, engaged, and high-performing team. p /p You will: p /p Lead by example Set the tone for service, product quality, and team morale.

Support team development Coach and inspire the team through daily briefs, one-to-ones, and on-the-job learning Uphold our standards Maintain excellent food safety, cleanliness, and guest experience across every shift Drive performance Help track sales, manage labour budgets, reduce waste, and optimise every trading day Nurture our culture Bring our values to life: Community - Authenticity - Inspiration - Craftsmanship Stay future-focused Contribute ideas, spot opportunities, and support upcoming projects or new store openings b The Ideal Candidate /b br We’re looking for a passionate, grounded leader—someone who balances warmth and operational sharpness, and who’s excited to roll up their sleeves and help shape the future of Chestnut Bakery. p /p You’ll thrive with us if you: p /p Have at least 2 years’ experience in a senior hospitality role (ideally in a café, bakery,)Love creating memorable guest moments—from a warm welcome to a perfect pastry recommendation Communicate clearly and kindly, with both your team and our guests Bring a can-do spirit, curiosity, and resilience—even on the busiest brunch shift Feel confident managing rotas, budgets, daily P L, and driving commercial results Are passionate about developing people—coaching, motivating, and celebrating their growth Take pride in high standards—product presentation, service consistency, and team culture Understand the bigger picture, and help bring the Chestnut vision to life on the shop floor b About The Company /b br Chestnut Bakery is a double award-winning bakery that takes pride in its artisanal approach to baking.

With roots in Belgravia and a growing presence across Central London, we’re on a mission to craft exceptional baked goods using the freshest ingredients and traditional techniques.

At Chestnut Bakery, we celebrate the art and science of baking.

Our team is committed to quality, authenticity, and creating an inclusive, supportive workplace. p /p We take pride in being an employer of choice, offering opportunities for growth, recognition, and work-life balance. p /p

Cafe Manager employer: Chestnut Bakery

Chestnut Bakery is an exceptional employer that values its team as the cornerstone of delivering memorable customer experiences. With a strong focus on work-life balance, generous benefits including private health cashback and unlimited coffee, and a commitment to internal career progression, employees can thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment. Join us in crafting something special while enjoying the perks of being part of a beloved artisanal bakery in the heart of London.

Chestnut Bakery

Contact Details:

Chestnut Bakery Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Cafe Manager

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 Chestnut Bakery. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Chestnut Bakery

Don't be shy about reaching out to Chestnut Bakery 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

Leadership
Team Development
Coaching
Communication Skills
Operational Management
Budget Management
Sales Tracking

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 Chestnut Bakery 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 Chestnut Bakery

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!