At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a brand-new café, creating a welcoming space and building a fantastic team.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK & Ireland, a leader in food experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, discounts, and wellness classes.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape a new café culture and create a destination for customers.
- Qualifications: Experience in café or fast-paced food environments, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 34000 £ per year.
A brand-new caf. A blank canvas. An opportunity to build something special from day one. Simple moments, made special. Great coffee. Freshly baked pastries. Proper food done well. Taste Caf is about creating the small, everyday moments people genuinely look forward to - a quick coffee that turns into a catch-up, a bite to eat that hits the spot, and a space that feels easy, comfortable, and just right.
This is a new caf opening within a busy retail environment - fast-paced, full of energy, and with huge potential. From day one, it's a place designed to feel local, welcoming, and worth coming back to.
The Role
This is a start-up opportunity within an established business. As Caf Manager, you'll play a key role in bringing a brand-new site to life - setting standards, building a team, and shaping how the caf looks, feels, and operates from the very beginning. If you've managed a caf, retail unit, or fast-paced food operation before, this is your chance to truly make it your own. You'll lead from the front, set the tone, and turn a brand-new caf into a space people love - from the first morning coffee rush to the final close-down of the day.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading the day-to-day running of a newly opened caf, keeping everything smooth, organised and on point
- Recruiting, training and developing a strong team that delivers great service (and enjoys doing it)
- Setting and maintaining high standards across food, coffee and presentation
- Managing stock, performance and operational processes
- Creating a space that feels warm, relaxed and welcoming from day one
- Embedding consistency - because the little details matter
- Ensuring Health & Safety standards are always met and maintained
About You
If you've run a caf, retail unit, or fast-paced food environment, you're well-suited to this role - especially if you enjoy building teams and shaping operations. You'll also be:
- A hands-on leader who sets the pace and leads by example
- People-focused - great with both your team and your customers
- Organised, proactive and calm under pressure
- Passionate about good food, great coffee and doing things properly
- Comfortable taking ownership and continuously improving performance
Why This Role?
This isn't just another caf management role. It's a chance to open a new site, shape the culture, and create a destination - somewhere customers return to for the coffee, the food, and the atmosphere. You'll have real ownership, support from a wider business, and the opportunity to build something that genuinely feels like yours from the ground up.
Why Join Us?
As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, you'll be working within our One Retail sector, delivering food experiences across some of the UK's busiest and most recognisable environments. We offer:
- Structured training and development
- Genuine career progression opportunities
- The backing of a business that invests in its people
- Joining One Retail means being part of a premium group working alongside well-known brands such as M&S and Costa.
- We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- 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
About Us
As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
Cafe Manager - Bishop Auckland employer: ESS
Chartwells Education is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises growth and excellence in the education catering sector. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on delivering outstanding food and hospitality experiences, you will find ample opportunities for professional advancement while making a meaningful impact across educational institutions. Join us in a role that not only values your expertise but also fosters a supportive environment for innovation and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cafe Manager - Bishop Auckland
✨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 ESS. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to ESS
Don't be shy about reaching out to ESS 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 - Bishop Auckland
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 ESS 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 ESS
✨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!
