Are you looking for a customer-facing part-time role in hospitality?
Do you have experience in managing a team?
Do you like interacting with people and providing exceptional customer service?
This could be your next opportunity; join our hospitality team.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Café Supervisor to take day-to-day responsibility for the operation of our busy Campus Café.
The Campus Café serves both the Rothamsted community and the wider public, providing high-quality coffee, breakfast, lunch and refreshments in a welcoming environment. Our culture is friendly, supportive, ambitious and customer-focused, with a strong commitment to learning, development and excellence in hospitality.
What you’ll do
Leading from the front, you will supervise café operations, deliver outstanding customer service, prepare exceptional coffee, support food service and ensure the café provides a clean, safe and welcoming environment for all customers.
You will motivate and support team members, coordinate daily service activities, maintain operational standards and help drive continuous improvement across the café.
Key Responsibilities
Customer Service & Operations
- Prepare and serve high-quality espresso-based coffees, teas and specialty beverages.
- Maintain consistent standards of coffee preparation, milk texturing and presentation.
- Support food preparation and service while identifying opportunities to increase sales.
- Monitor customer flow and ensure efficient service during busy periods.
- Resolve customer queries and feedback professionally.
- Carry out opening and closing procedures, including cash handling and equipment checks.
Food Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with food hygiene, allergen legislation and health and safety requirements.
- Complete cleaning schedules, temperature checks and operational records.
- Report maintenance and equipment issues promptly.
- Organise daily workloads and communicate service priorities.
- Support the induction and training of new staff.
- Work collaboratively with kitchen and hospitality colleagues.
Stock & Equipment
- Operate and support colleagues in the use of the EPOS system.
- Monitor stock levels and complete stock rotation and replenishment.
- Support stocktakes and inventory management.
- Ensure café equipment is cleaned, maintained and serviced appropriately.
About You
You will have previous experience working as a qualified senior Barista or Café Supervisor within a busy café or hospitality environment with strong knowledge of espresso preparation. Previous experience as a team leader or managing a small hospitality team, and an eye for detail.
Demonstrate a flexible approach to work, with strong communication and interpersonal skills. As a team player, you will have a friendly and approachable manner while also being capable of working independently and using your own initiative when required. A strong eye for detail and the ability to stay calm when the café is busy.
You will have a full and valid clean driving licence or have the ability to get to our Harpenden site.
What we are looking for.
- Experienced, qualified senior Barista or Café Supervisor experienced in managing a small team
- Excellent customer service and communication skills
- Experience using EPOS/till systems and handling payments.
- Good understanding of food hygiene, allergen management and health and safety requirements.
- Ability to remain calm and organised during busy service periods.
- Positive, proactive and flexible approach to work.
- Level 2 Food Safety Certificate and willingness to work towards Level 3 Food Safety qualification.
Why Join Us?
You will be joining a friendly team at Rothamsted Enterprises, working in a unique environment based on a large campus. If you are passionate about coffee, hospitality and leading teams to deliver excellent customer experiences
What We Offer
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
- A chance to contribute ideas and help shape the customer experience.
- 25 days' annual leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Free car parking
Interviews commence from the 12 th October 2026
This vacancy does not meet the Home Office requirements; therefore, please ensure you are eligible or already hold the legal right to work in the UK.
About The Company
Rothamsted Enterprises Limited (REL) was established in 2015 by its shareholders: Lawes Agricultural Trust, Rothamsted Research and BBSRC. REL is a commercial organisation that generates income which is gifted back to its partners to support the world-leading science and research undertaken by Rothamsted Research.
REL's strategic objectives are to:
- Foster relationships both on and off campus.
- Facilitate opportunities for collaboration, growth and impact.
- Align commercial activity with wider Government priorities.
Rothamsted Enterprises manages a diverse commercial portfolio, including office and laboratory space, a modern conference centre, and the Campus Café.
The Campus Café is open to both the Rothamsted community and members of the public, providing a welcoming environment for breakfast, lunch, refreshments and quality coffee throughout the working day.
Our team culture is supportive, friendly, honest, hardworking and ambitious. We are committed to learning and development, equality and diversity, and creating an excellent customer experience across all our hospitality services.
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Cafe Supervisor employer: Rothamsted Research
Rothamsted Research is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where finance professionals can thrive while contributing to groundbreaking agricultural science. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, you will find ample opportunities for growth and collaboration in our Harpenden office. Join us to make a meaningful impact in research while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive team atmosphere.
