Cafe Operations Manager

The Cafe Operations Manager leads the day to day running of Sea Change CIC’s cafés in South Shields and Sunderland, combining hospitality excellence with a social mission.

This role ensures the cafés operate as thriving businesses and inclusive training environments, supporting individuals with autism and disabilities to develop essential employment and life skills.

The manager will work alongside senior management and cafe supervisors, overseeing all aspects of café operations, including quality of food preparation and presentation, stock control, customer service, compliance, and team leadership.

You will also support the delivery of the Sea Change for Employment programme, delivering tailored training, mentoring neurodiverse staff and trainees, and tracking their progress towards sustainable employment.

This is a hands-on role for an experienced hospitality professional who is passionate about empowering others and driving social impact through inclusive and innovative business practices.

This position involves some evening and weekend work, scheduled on a rota basis, to accommodate the needs of participants and program requirements. It may also involve last minute cover so flexibility is essential.

What You’ll Be Doing

1. Operational Leadership

• Oversee all aspects of café operations, including kitchen and front-of-house management, to ensure high standards of food quality, customer service, and efficiency.

• Act as a nominated duty manager and key-holder, leading operations and addressing any operational challenges in the absence of senior management.

• Manage inventory, budgets, and cost control to maximise profitability while maintaining the highest standards.

• Supervise daily/weekly compliance checks to maintain health and safety, food hygiene, and operational standards. Address remedial actions as necessary.

• Collaborate with the team to develop creative, seasonal menus and ensure consistent product quality and presentation.

• Marketing and Promotion: Showcase staff progression, food, and drinks through high-quality photos and videos. Contribute to social media content to promote the organisation, engage audiences, and drive growth.

• Assist the team with data for funding bids, accounts and payroll.

1. Team Leadership

• Manage staff, ensuring clear communication, motivation, and accountability across all levels.

• Recruit, train, and manage café staff, promoting an inclusive culture across both sites.

• Provide mentoring and coaching to staff, promoting personal growth and professional development.

1. Program Management and Training

• Support the delivery of the Sea Change for Employment programme, providing structured on the job training and support for individuals with autism and/or disabilities.

• Support neurodiverse staff and trainees in developing essential employment and life skills, such as communication, teamwork, and self-regulation.

• Contribute to support plans and risk assessments.

• Regularly monitor trainee progress, providing feedback and adjustments to their development plans.

• Engage with local employers, schools, colleges and organisations to promote and grow links to develop the training programme and supported employment opportunities.

• Assist with Access to Work applications and record keeping.

How You Will Make A Difference

Our beneficiaries are at the heart of everything we do, and they’ve shared what matters most to them in the people who support them. They told us they need someone who:

• Makes an effort to comprehend their unique perspectives and adapt learning styles and resources to suit their needs.

• Truly listens, giving them space to express themselves openly.

• Treats them with dignity and understanding, regardless of their background or challenges.

• Motivates and supports them to reach their potential.

• Understands that growth takes time and offers steady support.

• Has a positive and kind attitude that helps them navigate difficult times.

• Cares about supporting young people and helping them thrive.

• Naturally embodies understanding and compassion.

• Is resilient and approaches obstacles with a can-do attitude.

• Can connect with people from all walks of life.

• Believes that collaboration leads to the best outcomes.

• Brings joy and positivity to work, making interactions enjoyable.

• Hospitality Management: Proven experience in managing hospitality operations, including kitchen and front-of-house teams.

• Neurodiversity Support: A minimum of two years’ experience supporting neurodivergent individuals or those with disabilities in a workplace or training environment.

• Training and Development: Experience in designing and delivering training programs, particularly for neurodiverse teams or individuals.

• Customer Service Leadership: Demonstrated supervisory experience in a customer-focused environment, ensuring high service standards.

• Compliance and Health & Safety: Strong track record of maintaining compliance with food hygiene, safety regulations, and operational standards.

Education

• Relevant qualifications in hospitality management, social care, or a related field.

• Teaching qualification or equivalent in training and development., * Strong coaching and mentoring abilities, particularly for neurodiverse individuals.

• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to balance operational demands with program delivery requirements.

• Creative approach to stock control and menu development

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for working with diverse teams.

• Good understanding of marketing and social media platforms.

• Be efficient with technology.

Bonus Points

• Enhanced DBS certification.

• First Aid and Food Hygiene qualifications.

• Personal License qualification.

• Knowledge of the North-East hospitality landscape, including local suppliers and trends., * Supervising experience: 2 years (preferred)

• Restaurant management: 2 years (preferred)

• Hospitality: 2 years (preferred)

• Customer service: 2 years (preferred)

• Management: 2 years (preferred)

• Employee discount

• Flexitime, * A Competitive Salary: £27,520 – £30,520

• Benefits & Perks: Including training & professional development opportunities, 10% discount in Sea Change Cafes.

• A Fantastic Team: Work with passionate people in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Email your application to info@sea-change.co

Got Questions?

Feel free to reach out to Sarah Farrell at 07508312735 or drop us an email. We’re happy to chat!