At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead teams to deliver top-notch food and service while managing daily operations.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK&I, dedicated to exceptional customer experiences and fresh food.
- Benefits: Enjoy full-time hours, career progression, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to innovate and create memorable customer experiences.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that values individuality and rewards excellence.
- Qualifications: Two years of management experience in a similar role and a passion for food.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Café Manager – Lancaster
£34,000 per annum
- 5 out of 7 days
- 40 hours per week
A brand-new café. A blank canvas. An opportunity to build something special from day one.
Simple moments, made special.
Great coffee. Freshly baked pastries. Proper food done well.
Taste Café is about creating the small, everyday moments people genuinely look forward to — a quick coffee that turns into a catch‑up, a bite to eat that hits the spot, and a space that feels easy, comfortable, and just right.
This is a new café opening within a busy retail environment — fast‑paced, full of energy, and with huge potential. From day one, it’s a place designed to feel local, welcoming, and worth coming back to.
The Role
This is a start‑up opportunity within an established business.
As Café Manager, you’ll play a key role in bringing a brand-new site to life — setting standards, building a team, and shaping how the café looks, feels, and operates from the very beginning.
If you’ve managed a café, retail unit, or fast‑paced food operation before, this is your chance to truly make it your own.
You’ll lead from the front, set the tone, and turn a brand‑new café into a space people love — from the first morning coffee rush to the final close‑down of the day.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading the day‑to‑day running of a newly opened café, keeping everything smooth, organised and on point
- Recruiting, training and developing a strong team that delivers great service (and enjoys doing it)
- Setting and maintaining high standards across food, coffee and presentation
- Managing stock, performance and operational processes
- Creating a space that feels warm, relaxed and welcoming from day one
- Embedding consistency — because the little details matter
- Ensuring Health & Safety standards are always met and maintained
About You
If you’ve run a café, retail unit, or fast‑paced food environment, you’re well‑suited to this role — especially if you enjoy building teams and shaping operations.
You’ll Also Be
- A hands‑on leader who sets the pace and leads by example
- People‑focused — great with both your team and your customers
- Organised, proactive and calm under pressure
- Passionate about good food, great coffee and doing things properly
- Comfortable taking ownership and continuously improving performance
Why This Role?
It’s a chance to open a new site, shape the culture, and create a destination — somewhere customers return to for the coffee, the food and the atmosphere.
You’ll have real ownership, support from a wider business, and the opportunity to build something that genuinely feels like yours from the ground up.
Benefits
We ensure you’re rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Unwind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
Cafe Manager employer: One Retail
One Retail is an exceptional employer that values individuality and fosters a supportive work culture in Hayle, UK. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer training opportunities and a collaborative environment where your contributions are recognised and celebrated. Join us to be part of a team that not only delivers outstanding food experiences but also prioritises your professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cafe Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with current or former Cafe Managers to gain insights into the role and the company culture. This can help you understand what they value in a candidate and give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food service and customer experience. Being able to discuss innovative ideas during your interview will show that you're proactive and passionate about the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to manage operations effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Compass Group UK&I and their values thoroughly. Understanding their mission and how you can contribute to it will help you align your answers with what they are looking for in a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Cafe Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food service and management. Emphasise your leadership skills and any achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver exceptional customer experiences.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and service. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved customer satisfaction in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills:In your application, focus on key skills mentioned in the job description, such as financial management, team development, and compliance with health and safety standards. Use concrete examples to illustrate these skills.
Show Enthusiasm for the Role:Convey your excitement about the opportunity to work with Compass Group UK&I. Discuss how your values align with their mission to enhance customer experiences and your eagerness to contribute to their success.
How to prepare for a job interview at One Retail
✨Show Your Passion for Food and Service
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for food and customer service during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've created memorable experiences for customers in your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your management style and how you motivate teams. Highlight instances where you've successfully led a team, resolved conflicts, or improved performance, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Know Your Numbers
Familiarise yourself with key financial metrics relevant to café management, such as budgets and KPIs. Be ready to discuss how you've managed these aspects in past positions and how you can apply that knowledge here.
✨Emphasise Compliance Knowledge
Since health and safety standards are vital in this role, be prepared to talk about your experience with compliance in food safety. Mention any relevant training or certifications you have that demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards.
