At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily café operations, ensuring top-notch service and team performance.
- Company: Join Medlock Square, a vibrant hub for culture and entertainment in Manchester.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, generous holiday allowance, and complimentary meals on shift.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting venue, shaping memorable experiences for guests.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality management and a passion for guest service.
The predicted salary is between 35100 - 42900 £ per year.
Medlock Square marks a bold new chapter in the evolution of the Etihad Campus — a vibrant, year‑round destination for culture, leisure and entertainment, set alongside two global icons: the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City Football Club, and the landmark Co‑op Live arena. Named after the River Medlock that runs beneath the site, the development celebrates Manchester’s industrial heritage while shaping its next era of city‑defining experiences. Manchester is known worldwide for its sport, music and entertainment — and Medlock Square will build on that legacy, creating a landmark home for exceptional shared moments and elevating the city’s position as one of Europe’s most dynamic, fast‑growing destinations.
At the heart of this new district will be an extraordinary food and beverage offer: from relaxed coffee houses and all‑day dining to flagship restaurants and premium culinary experiences. Designed to serve both everyday visitors and major event audiences, Medlock Square will deliver high‑quality hospitality all week long and across the events calendar.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the delivery of exceptional guest experiences across all service periods while leading shifts and maintaining smooth day-to-day restaurant operations.
- Act as the main point of contact in the absence of the Restaurant Manager and ensure strong coordination between FOH and BOH teams.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management of team members.
- Lead by example on the floor, deliver team briefings, and help build a positive, high-performing team culture.
- Support achievement of sales targets, labour efficiency, stock control, and operational KPIs.
- Assist with rota planning, reservations, service flow, and implementing initiatives to improve service delivery and guest satisfaction.
- Ensure adherence to health & safety, food safety, and licensing standards while maintaining accurate operational records.
- Work closely with the Restaurant Manager and Head Chef to support continuous improvement across the operation.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Essential
- Experience in a supervisory or assistant management role within hospitality.
- Strong leadership and team support skills.
- Passion for guest experience and service quality.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
Desirable
- Experience in hotel, premium casual, or destination dining environments.
- Experience in event-led or large-scale operations.
- Knowledge of reservations systems and POS platforms.
- Prior Barista experience would be advantageous.
Job Benefits
- Private Medical Insurance (Vitality) – including Virtual GP access and rewards.
- Group Life Assurance – 4x salary paid to your nominated beneficiary.
- Birthday Day Off – an extra day to celebrate.
- Complimentary Meals on Shift – breakfast, lunch, fruit and hot drinks.
- Employee Assistance Programme & Wellbeing Platform – including counselling support.
- Employee Discounts Platform (Blackhawk) – cashback and savings across major retailers.
- Company Pension Scheme.
- Generous Holiday Allowance – plus bank holidays.
- Career Development Opportunities – with progression across the campus.
Assistant Café Manager in Manchester employer: Eastlands Venue Services Limited
Eastlands Venue Services Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the iconic Etihad Stadium. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide comprehensive training and opportunities for advancement within our retail operations team. Our culture promotes teamwork and innovation, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in delivering match day excellence while enjoying the unique atmosphere of one of the UK's premier sporting venues.
Contact Details:
Eastlands Venue Services Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Café Manager in Manchester
✨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 Eastlands Venue Services Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Eastlands Venue Services Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to Eastlands Venue Services Limited 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 Café Manager in Manchester
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 Eastlands Venue Services Limited 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 Eastlands Venue Services Limited
✨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!
