At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant team to deliver exceptional service in our Greenhouse Café.
- Company: Join Longacres, a family-run garden centre with a friendly and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 28 days holiday, staff discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours with no evenings or split shifts in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Step up your hospitality career while making lasting connections with customers.
- Qualifications: 2 years of hospitality experience and strong team management skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced and enthusiastic person ready to take the next step in your hospitality career? We’re looking for a new Café Assistant Manager to help drive the expansion and development of our Greenhouse Café in our Chelmsford branch! You will work under the Café Manager to help provide the best service possible to all of our valued guests, ensuring the smooth running of both the front and back of house. You will be expected to work with our close-knit team to keep morale up and ensure the best possible customer service.
Longacres Garden Centre aims to be the destination of choice for garden enthusiasts, offering exceptional service and high-quality products at competitive prices. Established in 1979 as a family-run business, Longacres has grown to include six stores across the South East of England, employing over 700 staff in 2026. As a growing company, we provide ample opportunities for personal development and learning within a supportive, inclusive, and friendly team environment. We are deeply committed to our loyal customers, delivering high quality products while maintaining affordability. Guided by our core values - trust and integrity, family, teamwork, accountability, and retail excellence - we strive to continuously enhance the customer experience and foster lasting relationships.
- Free onsite parking
- 15% Staff discount (Increase to 20% after 5 years of service)
- Training and development with opportunities to forge a career with us
- Holiday entitlement of 28 days, including bank holidays
- You will benefit from retail style hours with no evenings or split shifts
Contract: Full Time
Key Responsibilities and Duties- Effectively manage a large team whilst running front of house in the manager's absence
- Maintain high catering standards
- Welcome guests on arrival and bid them farewell
- Have good knowledge of the food and drinks we offer
- Ensure you and your team have high standards of food hygiene and follow the rules of health and safety
- Overseeing day to day operations of the café
- Managing the front and back of house team
- Menu costing and planning
- Meeting all KPI’s set by Café Manager and Catering Manager
- Train new team members in company standards, customer service, and job duties
- Connect with customers and develop strong relationships to encourage repeat visitation
- Motivate, guide, and mentor team members to exceed goals and create a positive environment during shifts
- You must have at least 2 years’ experience within hospitality
- Previous experience in catering is preferred but not essential
- Strong understanding of Health and Safety and Risk Assessments
- Previous experience managing a large team
- Good verbal and written English communication skills are essential
- Good personal appearance and hygiene
- Good understanding of COSHH
- You must be flexible in terms of the working hours required of you
Cafe Assistant Manager in Chelmsford employer: HR Duo, Ltd.
Longacres Garden Centre is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those looking to advance their careers in hospitality. With a commitment to employee development, you will enjoy opportunities for training and personal growth, alongside competitive benefits such as a generous holiday entitlement and staff discounts. Join our close-knit team in Chelmsford, where we prioritise teamwork and customer satisfaction, making every day rewarding and fulfilling.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cafe Assistant Manager in Chelmsford
✨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 HR Duo, Ltd.. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to HR Duo, Ltd.
Don't be shy about reaching out to HR Duo, Ltd. 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 Assistant Manager in Chelmsford
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 HR Duo, Ltd. 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 HR Duo, Ltd.
✨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!
