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- Tasks: Lead a vibrant café team and create unforgettable customer experiences.
- Company: Join Hampshire Cultural Trust, a leader in cultural engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, generous pay, and health perks.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic cultural venue.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing food and beverage teams is essential.
The predicted salary is between 28500 - 32500 ÂŁ per year.
Salary: ÂŁ28,500 to ÂŁ32,500 per annum
Location: Milestones Museum, Basingstoke
Hours: 37 hours per week including regular weekends and ad hoc evenings
Type of Contract: Permanent
Do you have the passion and leadership skills to deliver outstanding café experiences at one of Hampshire’s flagship cultural venues? As Café Manager you’ll lead the day‑to‑day operation of Milestone’s on‑site café, tea tent and historic pub, as well as the seasonal café at Basing House, ensuring a consistently high‑quality offer that enhances every visitor’s experience. You’ll set and maintain exceptional standards of customer service and presentation, manage and develop a dedicated kitchen and front of house team, and play a key role in driving commercial performance.
A bit about you
You’ll bring solid experience managing a high‑performing food and beverage team within a busy, customer‑focused environment. You’ll have a strong understanding of commercial café operations, from stock management and food safety to cost control and delivering against targets, and you’re confident working with budgets and KPIs. A natural people leader, you’re visible on the floor, supportive, and skilled at motivating staff through coaching, clear communication, and a collaborative, inclusive approach. You thrive in fast‑paced settings, stay calm under pressure, and take pride in creating a welcoming, safe, and efficient operation. You’ll also bring strong IT skills, excellent organisational ability, and the drive to continuously review and improve the customer experience.
What it’s like to work for us
At Hampshire Cultural Trust we have a vision to create inspirational culture experiences that enrich and transform lives. We manage and support 19+ attractions across Hampshire and deliver county‑wide outreach programmes that bring great culture to local communities. We also deliver a diverse range of wider social impact initiatives targeted at those who are most vulnerable or disadvantaged and who would not usually have access to arts and culture. We are committed to promoting equity, inclusion and diversity and a culture that actively values difference. We recognise that people from different backgrounds and experiences can enhance the way we perform and work. We aim to be inclusive, valuing, and respectful of diversity, developing the ability to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve and seeks to engage.
The benefits of working for us
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro‑rated for part‑time working)
- 7.5% Employer pension contributions
- Generous occupational maternity, adoption and paternity pay
- Enhanced occupational sick pay
- Emergency leave scheme
- Life assurance scheme (x3 annual salary)
- Industry leading Employee Assistance Programme
- Interest‑free Season ticket loans and travel loans from first day of employment
- Charity Worker Discounts Scheme (savings on retail, leisure, groceries, travel etc.)
- Access to same‑day GP appointments for employees and their immediate family
- Access to free eye tests and vouchers towards glasses for VDU use
- Free flu vaccination vouchers
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Health Cash Plan (cashback on dental, optical, medical for monthly subscription cost)
- Opportunities to learn, develop and progress
- Free tea and coffee in all our venues
- Team Card - Free access to our fee‑paying venues and discounts across café and retail.
To apply please fill in the application form with an up‑to‑date CV. We do not require covering letters for this position however would be grateful to receive context to your application. We may review applications and invite candidates to interview before the closing date, although this is not guaranteed, so we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.
Closing date for applications: 31 May 2026
Cafe Manager - Basingstoke, Hampshire employer: Hampshire Cultural Trust
Contact Detail:
Hampshire Cultural Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cafe Manager - Basingstoke, Hampshire
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the café scene in Basingstoke! Visit local cafés, chat with staff, and understand what makes them tick. This will give you insights to bring to your interview and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! As a Café Manager, you'll need to lead a team and create a welcoming atmosphere. Role-play common scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and communication skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your financial knowledge! Familiarise yourself with budgeting, stock management, and KPIs. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will set you apart from other candidates during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at Hampshire Cultural Trust. Don’t forget to include context about your experience to make your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Cafe Manager - Basingstoke, Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for café management shine through! We want to see how much you care about creating outstanding experiences for visitors. Share any relevant stories or examples that highlight your passion for the role.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure you communicate your skills and experience without any fluff. Remember, less is often more!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your previous experience in managing food and beverage teams. We’re looking for solid examples of how you've driven performance and maintained high standards in a busy environment. This is your chance to shine!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We might start reviewing applications before the closing date, so get your application in as soon as you can. Head over to our website and let’s get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire Cultural Trust
✨Know Your Café Operations
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of café operations, especially around stock management, food safety, and cost control. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you understand the ins and outs of running a successful café.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've motivated and developed your team in previous roles. Highlight your coaching style and how you foster a collaborative environment. This is key for a Café Manager role, so be ready to share specific stories that demonstrate your people leadership.
✨Understand the Customer Experience
Think about ways you've improved customer experiences in the past. Be ready to discuss how you would enhance the visitor experience at Milestones Museum. Showing that you can think critically about customer service will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Be Ready for Fast-Paced Scenarios
Since this role thrives in a busy environment, prepare for situational questions that test your ability to stay calm under pressure. Think of times when you've successfully managed a hectic situation and how you maintained high standards during those moments.