At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver exceptional customer experiences in a luxury chocolate boutique.
- Company: The Secret Truffletier, a heritage brand crafting Swiss chocolate since 1911.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and create memorable experiences for chocolate lovers.
- Qualifications: Management experience in hospitality or retail, with a flair for customer service.
- Other info: 40 hours per week, including essential weekend shifts.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Since 1911, The Secret Truffletier has crafted exceptional Swiss chocolate with passion, heritage and precision. From our boutique home in Woolmer Green, we offer luxury chocolate experiences, elegant Afternoon Teas, artisan coffee and beautifully curated gifts.
As our business continues to grow, we are seeking an exceptional Boutique Hospitality Manager to lead our shop, café and chocolate experience operations. This is not a standard café management role. This is a leadership position within a destination experience business.
The Role
You will be responsible for the daily operation, team leadership and guest experience across our boutique café, shop and chocolate experiences. You will lead a team of 9 (including weekend & seasonal staff) and ensure that every guest interaction reflects the quality, warmth and refinement of The Secret Truffletier brand.
Key Responsibilities
- Guest Experience & Standards
- Lead from the front as a host and brand ambassador
- Deliver exceptional service across café, retail and experiences
- Oversee Afternoon Teas, chocolate workshops and fondue experiences
- Ensure every guest journey feels personal, indulgent and memorable
- Team Leadership
- Manage, train and motivate staff
- Lead weekend operations (our busiest and most important trading period)
- Set clear expectations for service, presentation and behaviour
- Create a positive, professional and high-performing culture
- Operations
- Oversee daily opening/closing procedures
- Manage reservations, responding to customers' emails & phone
- Update Shopify with products, pricing and barcodes
- Manage rotas, staffing levels and holiday planning
- Ensure compliance with food hygiene and safety standards
- Maintain exceptional cleanliness and organisation throughout
- Commercial Performance
- Drive sales across retail, café and experiences
- Maximise bookings for workshops and Afternoon Teas
- Monitor stock levels, ordering and wastage control
- Support visual merchandising and product presentation
- Brand & Environment
- Maintain a luxury boutique feel at all times
- Ensure displays, packaging and presentation meet brand standards
- Continuously look for ways to elevate the customer experience
Who We’re Looking For
This role suits someone who combines hospitality leadership with natural hosting ability. You are:
- A confident leader who enjoys developing a team
- Highly organised with strong operational control
- Passionate about delivering premium customer experiences
- Detail-focused with high personal standards
- Calm under pressure, especially during busy weekends
- Commercially aware and motivated to grow the business
Essential Experience
- Previous management experience in café, hospitality or retail
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Experience delivering high-quality customer service
- Weekend availability (Friday–Sunday essential)
Desirable
- Experience in premium or boutique environments
- Events, experiences or hospitality-led retail background
- Interest in chocolate, coffee or artisan food
Hours
40 hours per week, 5 days out of 7 (weekends essential)
Retail & Hospitality Manager in Watford employer: LESSITERS LIMITED
Contact Detail:
LESSITERS LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail & Hospitality Manager in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research The Secret Truffletier's history, values, and products. This will help you connect with the brand during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Boutique Hospitality Manager role. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about how you would handle busy weekends or challenging guest interactions. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and ready to impress during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and really want to be part of The Secret Truffletier family.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail & Hospitality Manager in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for hospitality and premium customer experiences shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our brand's commitment to quality and warmth.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in café, retail, or hospitality management. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to create memorable guest experiences.
Be Personable: In your cover letter, don’t be afraid to show a bit of your personality! We value candidates who can connect with our guests and lead a team with warmth and enthusiasm. Let us know why you’d be a great fit for our boutique environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at The Secret Truffletier!
How to prepare for a job interview at LESSITERS LIMITED
✨Know the Brand Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into The Secret Truffletier's history, values, and offerings. Understand their commitment to quality and luxury, and be ready to discuss how you can embody and promote these values in your role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to motivate staff, manage busy periods, and create a positive work culture. This is crucial for a leadership position, so make sure your stories reflect your strengths.
✨Demonstrate Customer-Centric Thinking
Think about how you can enhance the guest experience at The Secret Truffletier. Be ready to share ideas on personalising customer interactions and elevating service standards. Show that you understand the importance of creating memorable experiences.
✨Be Ready for Operational Questions
Expect questions about managing daily operations, including staffing, compliance, and inventory control. Brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene standards and operational efficiency, as these are key aspects of the role.