CAFÉ & BAR MANAGER - ICONIC HISTORIC VENUE (12 MONTH FTC) - PART-TIME in Liverpool

Are you ready to lead an exciting new chapter in hospitality at one of Liverpool’s most distinctive venues?

We are seeking an experienced, dynamic and customer-focused Café & Bar Manager to take charge of our newly refurbished café and bar following significant investment in our food and beverage facilities.

This is a rare opportunity to shape, grow and elevate a refreshed offer within a unique heritage setting.

You will combine strong hospitality expertise with commercial drive, confident leadership and a passion for delivering exceptional food and drink experiences.

From vibrant daytime café service to stylish evening bars for weddings, performances and community celebrations, you’ll play a central role in enhancing the venue’s reputation and income.

This role operates across a 7-day schedule, with shifts predominantly Sunday to Thursday and including evenings and weekends in line with venue operations.

• Operational
• Lead the development and delivery of an inspiring, visitor-focused café offer that maximises income while remaining accessible to diverse audiences.
• Oversee and deliver bar services for music performances, dance events, weddings and community celebrations.
• Provide in-house catering for selected events.
• Identify and develop new food and beverage opportunities across the venue.
• Take ownership of food safety compliance, ensuring best practice and continuous team training.
• Contribute to fundraising initiatives through creative hospitality events such as afternoon teas and special dining experiences.
• Finance
• Manage budgets, stock control, ordering and supplier relationships with strong commercial oversight.
• Work with the Head of Commercial Income to develop ambitious but achievable revenue targets.
• Monitor sales performance, labour costs and margins to meet and exceed income goals.
• Drive income growth through menu innovation, promotions and event packages.
• Provide financial insight to support annual budget planning.
• Leadership & Management
• Line manage the Café and Bar Supervisor and Food & Beverage Assistants.
• Recruit, train, schedule and inspire a high-performing hospitality team.
• Lead by example to foster a positive, motivated and professional culture.
• Conduct performance reviews and support continuous development.
• Produce and manage rotas that balance operational need with budget control.
• Social Impact
• Tailor the food and beverage offer to different audiences and communities, working collaboratively with colleagues.
• Support the development of work-based learning and development opportunities for local young people and marginalised adults.
• Health & Safety
• Ensure full compliance with food safety legislation, driving high standards and continuous improvement.
• Lead on licensing compliance across café and bar operations.
• Ensure appropriate First Aid provision during events.
• Act as Lead Fire Marshal during commercial event delivery when required.
• Ensure food safety and cash handling procedures are consistently followed.
• Duty Management Responsibilities
• Oversee opening and closing procedures to ensure the venue is safe, welcoming and operationally ready.
• Act as lead contact during emergencies, coordinating evacuations and liaising with emergency services.
• Manage building issues and coordinate contractors where necessary.
• Monitor health and safety compliance, recording and reporting incidents appropriately.
• Resolve visitor or client concerns confidently and professionally.
• Act as a key point of contact for front of house teams.
• Ensure food safety and cash handling procedures are consistently followed.

This is not an exhaustive list, and you will be expected to contribute flexibly in line with the wider objectives of the organisation.

Person Specification

Experience

• Demonstrable success in café, bar, catering or hospitality management.
• Experience managing food safety and legislative compliance.
• Day-to-day management of a food and beverage retail offer.
• Planning and delivering event catering.
• Leading front of house and operational teams.
• Overseeing licensing requirements.
• Knowledge & Skills
• Strong knowledge of stock control, budgeting and financial reporting.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Confident conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities.
• Personal Licence Holder (or willingness to obtain).
• Strong teamwork and rota management skills.
• Ability to use initiative while adhering to venue procedures.
• Level 3 Food Safety knowledge and understanding of licensing legislation.
• Barista training and cocktail knowledge.
• Flexible approach to evenings, weekends and public holidays.
• Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging.
• Alignment with the values and vision of the venue.

This is more than a management role.

It’s an opportunity to shape a revitalised hospitality offer, build a passionate team and create memorable food and drink experiences in an extraordinary setting.

If you are commercially driven, creatively minded and thrive in a fast-paced events environment, we would love to hear from you.

#J-18808-Ljbffr