At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations at our community café, ensuring exceptional customer service and a welcoming environment.
- Company: Join Crossways Community, a charity dedicated to improving mental health in Tunbridge Wells.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health insurance, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Full-time role with a focus on teamwork and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while developing your leadership skills in a supportive café setting.
- Qualifications: Proven customer service experience, ideally in hospitality, with a compassionate attitude towards mental health.
The predicted salary is between 27307 - 27307 £ per year.
This role is integral to the daily operations at The Kitchen Table, our community café in central Tunbridge Wells.
The Kitchen Table is a bright, welcoming environment, which serves hot and cold refreshments prepared onsite.
Fitted with air conditioning, it has tables of various sizes available for reservations and walk-in customers.
The rear of the café can also be sectioned off for private events and community groups.
The café is open to everyone, but has a special focus on providing a supportive environment for those living with poor mental health and those who support them, by offering a safe space to connect and chat.
You will be required to work closely with and deputise for the Manager, leading by example, to ensure that all customers receive the same exceptional level of service at all times, alongside completing all activities necessary in operating a successful café.
All employees and volunteers are provided with a Kitchen Table apron to wear over their own clothes, and have access to free refreshments, including lunch (when working a full day).,
- actively engaging with customers,
- taking orders and using the till,
- preparing and serving food and drinks,
- playing an active role in ensuring all areas remain clean and tidy,
- assisting with supply purchasing,
- assisting with cash management,
- completing associated administration tasks,
- supervising and leading a team of staff and volunteers,
- promoting and maintaining safe food practices and the health & safety of the general public.
Who Do We Need This role is full time, working 37.5 hours per week. Working hours are 7.30am to 3.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and will always recruit all personnel (paid or unpaid) in line with Government guidelines, relevant legislation, and any appropriate Regulatory Authorities' guidance and best practice.
You will be required to complete an Enhanced DBS check for this role.
Who are Crossways Community
We are a growing Tunbridge Wells based Christian charity, with a passion to see better mental health in our community.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of spiritual belief, we simply expect that those in our community will always treat each other with kindness and respect.
Crossways has a proven track record in providing residential care and support for adults with acute mental health issues, giving residents valuable life skills and work experience, and promoting awareness of mental health issues within schools, churches and the local community.
We provide moral and practical support to those in our care, helping individuals to access the services they need, as well as facilitating activities with the aim of recognising potential, encouraging independence, and promoting self-worth.
Our community projects include a successful café, "The Kitchen Table" in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, "Reboot" our mental health awareness programmes and the "Flourish Gardening Project" in Rusthall.
Do you have a proven record of providing excellent customer service?
Are you able to take the lead, inspire those around you, and maintain high standards in a busy environment?
Do you feel compassion for those in our community who are struggling with their mental health?
You must have proven customer service experience, ideally within the hospitality industry, along with a positive attitude towards people who are experiencing mental health difficulties.
You must be physically fit, able to be on your feet for much of each shift, able to complete table service, able to complete cooking and cleaning tasks, and able to use stairs (to access downstairs store room).
Other essential requirements
- Excellent English, verbal and written communication skills.
- Good understanding of numeracy, ideally with previous experience of cash handling.
- Confident user of IT, able to complete general admin tasks.
- Able to supervise and mentor a team of employees and volunteers.
- Able to manage time and prioritise tasks with excellent attention to detail.
- Enjoy preparing food and beverages to a high standard.
- Able to complete all required training including Level 3 Food Safety, Mental Health First Aider, Health & Safety, First Aid and Safeguarding.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, able to be calm and patient when faced with challenges.
- Enjoy working as part of a team in a busy customer facing environment.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive Salary: £27,307 per annum, with an annual salary review.
- Generous Leave: 28 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), increasing annually up to 33 days.
- Pension: Company pension scheme starting from month three, with increasing employer contributions after the first year.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Includes health insurance (for you and qualifying family members), Blue Light discount card, and company sick pay (after probation).
- Employee Development: Wide range of fully funded in-house and external training options.
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Kitchen Table - Deputy Manager employer: Kitchen Table
Crossways Community is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment at The Kitchen Table café in central Tunbridge Wells. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous leave, and comprehensive health insurance, alongside opportunities for personal and professional growth through fully funded training. With a strong focus on mental health and community support, working here means being part of a compassionate team dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Table - Deputy Manager
✨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 Kitchen Table. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Kitchen Table
Don't be shy about reaching out to Kitchen Table 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 Kitchen Table - Deputy Manager
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 Kitchen Table 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 Kitchen Table
✨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!
