Retail and Cafe Manager at Wigmore Valley Park

Royal Voluntary Service has an opportunity available for a Retail and Cafe Manager to join our team at Royal Voluntary Service Cafe Wigmore Valley Park, 66 Eaton Green Road, Luton, LU2 9JB. You will join us on a part-time, permanent basis, and in return, you will receive a salary of £13.49 per hour (FTE £24,552 per annum).

About the Retail and Cafe Manager role:

Royal Voluntary Service cafes are part of the fabric of the community and a real asset in their own right. Staffed by employees and volunteers, we provide an outstanding range of beverages and healthy food choices. Our customers love the fact that the money they spend with us pays for volunteer action in hospitals and the community.

As the Retail & Café Manager, you will lead a passionate team of staff and volunteers who work hard to deliver outstanding customer service in our Cafe at Wigmore Valley Park.

Location: Royal Voluntary Service Cafe Wigmore Valley Park, 66 Eaton Green Road, Luton, LU2 9JB.

Hours: 28 hours a week
October to March (off-peak): Working Thursday to Sunday, with shifts generally between 8:30am and 4:00pm.

Peak and holiday periods: Working 28 hours across 4 days out of 7 on a rota basis, including weekends and bank holidays. Shifts will vary depending on operational needs and the weather and may be scheduled at any time between opening and closing (currently up to 6:00pm).

What you'll bring as our Retail and Cafe Manager.

Working in a Royal Voluntary Service Cafe requires a special kind of customer service. Your ability to communicate with a variety of people in a friendly and cheerful way will make a real difference to someone’s day. The key is to adapt your approach to each person to ensure their needs are met.

As Retail Manager, you will manage the effective operation of the retail outlet/s in maintaining outstanding store standards, whilst providing friendly, helpful, and excellent customer service to all customers, maximising a great shopping experience. You will be responsible for the delivery of set KPI’s by directing, developing & managing a team to achieve set goals. Ensuring that all policy & procedures are followed at all times.

You will bring excellent customer service skills, ensuring a positive and welcoming experience for all customers. Your strong communication abilities will facilitate clear and effective interactions with both customers and team members. With exceptional organisational skills, you will efficiently manage tasks and resources to meet operational needs. Your proficiency in industry-standard IT systems, including Microsoft Office and email, will support administrative functions. Proven leadership and people management skills will enable you to motivate and guide your team effectively.

• At least two years’ management experience
• At a minimum, two years’ experience in a retail or café environment
• At least two years’ cash handling experience
• Experience working at management level within a similar retail / cafe environment, with a comparable turnover
• Proven leadership and people management with great motivational skills
• Experience of working alongside volunteers would be advantageous
• Knowledge in Food Safety & Health & Safety procedures would be advantageous
• Good understanding of EPOS / Till systems
• Proficient in the use of IT systems, for example Microsoft Office, Email to a basic level
• Knowledge and experience of general administrative processes
• Can remain calm & professional in fast paced environment
• The ability to deliver excellent customer service through your team
• Able to communicate in a consistent and effective manner
• A flair for Organising, Delegating & Prioritising
• Flexible to the needs of the business & can attend out of hours training if required
• Willingness to undertake training and continuing professional development
• Good literacy and numeracy skills