Café Manager in Harrogate

Location: On site / Harrogate, UK

Job type: Permanent / Full-time

Sector and subsector: Hospitality | Front of House

Salary: Competitive salary

Working Pattern: 40 hours per week, working 5 out of 7 operational days of the week.

Reporting to: Catering Manager

About us

Fodder is an award-winning farm shop & cafe selling and celebrating the very best food & drink from Yorkshire. Fodder acts as a shop window for local farmers & producers and helps consumers to access local food easily. All the profits from Fodder go to help fund the charitable work of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society. Fodder is well known for quality and exceptional customer service.

Purpose of the Role

This really is an exciting time to join the Fodder team as we look to develop and expand our catering offer. The ideal candidate will therefore have the experience, energy and desire to develop this key role as we continue to grow. The Café Manager is responsible for managing the overall daily operations of the café and Fodder on the Hoof, ensuring efficiency is maintained and financial targets are met. They also oversee training and motivate the team, ensuring they are knowledgeable about the amazing Yorkshire food we serve. It is essential that the Café Manager is well organised when it comes to the administration required to manage a team efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

• This is a hands‑on role to run a successful front of house team in the café and in Fodder on the Hoof, including welcoming customers, advising of menu items, taking orders and delivering food, whilst actively coaching the team and managing the shift.
• Ensuring all staff operate to the same high levels of customer service and Food Hygiene standards.
• Lead and inspire the café team members to offer great customer service.
• Achieve financial targets, including sales and a high customer average spend.
• To receive, investigate and resolve customer complaints in the most appropriate fashion.
• Assist with planning and preparing cafe staffing schedules, ensuring these are kept within budgets.
• To ensure all Health & Safety regulations for Fodder are adhered to and followed.
• To ensure the Fodder HACCP plan is followed and to complete all relevant paperwork, to play a major part in maintaining 5 stars for food standards.
• To support with recruitment and selection of team members for the café and Fodder on the Hoof.
• Liaise closely with the Kitchen team, to ensure individual food orders are communicated clearly and the food service works seamlessly, from the kitchen to our customers.
• Competitively order stock and ensure regular stock rotation and control; proactively manage wastage.
• Handle cash, tills, change and cashing up.
• Induct and train team members, following company policies and provide ongoing support to all Fodder staff.
• Be a key holder and open and lock Fodder as required.
• Be creative to ensure that Fodder is embracing trends and changes to improve business performance.
• To be a license holder, fire warden and first aider for Fodder.
• To be an active team member of Fodder and be part of the management team within Fodder; passionate about working together and be a good communicator and role model.
• To recognise the importance of fairness and equality in the workplace, to treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• To be an ambassador of the Society values.

It is not possible for this document to totally encompass or define all tasks that may be required of the post holder. The outlined duties may therefore vary from time to time without materially changing either the character or level of responsibility.

Experience & Qualifications

• Considerable experience in leading a successful team and assisting in running a profitable café or restaurant.
• Considerable experience in customer service and working as part of a team.
• Good level of written and verbal skills.
• Knowledge of the Microsoft Office Software Suite and our EPOS system Eureka.
• Food safety level two qualification, First Aid qualification and must be able to become a Personal Licence holder (training can be provided).

Personal Skills

• This is a hands‑on role leading a team. You must be able to manage the floor and team, whilst also carrying out administrative tasks.
• This is not a desk‑based role, so ability to multitask and manage time effectively is essential.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Polite and approachable.
• Focus, thoroughness and keen attention to detail.
• Has a ‘can do/will do’ attitude.
• Excellent planning & organisational skills.
• Analysis of own performance and takes steps to improve this.
• Remains focused when faced with competing demands.
• Keeps people informed of progress on key tasks.
• Adapts their communication style to suit their customer / colleagues, responding to their feedback or queries.
• Work to tight deadlines.
• Accepts new ideas and change initiatives.
• Always conducts themselves in a courteous and professional manner.
• Always maintains the strictest levels of confidentiality.