At a Glance
- Tasks: Support daily café operations and deliver exceptional visitor experiences.
- Company: Join the Suffolk Wildlife Trust at Carlton Marshes Visitor Centre.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, a generous pension, and discounts at our cafés.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to connect people with nature while leading a friendly team.
- Qualifications: Customer service skills and experience in food preparation are essential.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 23137 - 24375 £ per year.
Carlton Marshes, located in the Waveney Valley at the southern tip of the Norfolk Broads near Lowestoft and part of the Suffolk Broads, is a mosaic of habitats including grazing marsh, fens, peat pools, meadows, dykes and scrub that have evolved over centuries to support specialised wildlife.
As the Assistant Café Supervisor, you will play a key role in supporting the smooth, day-to-day running of the café and ensuring an exceptional experience for every visitor. Working closely with the Café Supervisor, you will help lead the café team to deliver outstanding service, maintain high standards of presentation and uphold the welcoming, nature-inspired atmosphere that defines the Carlton Marshes Visitor Centre.
You will have responsibility for key operational areas including food preparation, stock management, and staff supervision deputising for the Café Supervisor when needed. Through your leadership, attention to detail and enthusiasm for great service, you will help ensure the café’s success as a friendly, efficient and financially sustainable part of the visitor experience — while supporting Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s mission to connect people with nature and bring wildlife back.
The successful candidate will have excellent communication and customer service skills, with confidence in preparing and serving food, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and working well as part of a team. Experience in a similar environment is essential, along with the ability to support and guide others in a busy setting. Proficiency with EPOS till systems and barista skills are desirable, as is previous experience in a supervisory or leadership role.
This is a permanent position working five out of seven days each week, including weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis. The starting salary will be £23,137.50 per annum (FTE £ £24,375.00). The hours of work within Monday to Sunday from 9:00am to 5:00pm will be:
- April to October – 36 hours per week over five days
- March to November – 35 hours per week across five days
To apply for this opportunity, please submit an online application via our website by 9:00am on Monday 17 November 2025. The application process will include uploading a CV and optional cover letter. The interviews are planned for Wednesday 26 November 2025 at Carlton Marshes Visitor Centre. Please indicate on the application your availability for interview (between 9:30am and 4:00pm).
Annual leave entitlement starts at 33 days per annum (including Bank Holidays), increasing annually to 38 days plus employees receive an extra day off for their birthday. We offer a 9% employer pension contribution with no employee contribution required, free 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme, free life insurance from day one of employment, free access to a private GP and discounts at high street retailers. Staff can also enjoy a 10% discount in our visitor centre cafes, including retail.
Suffolk Wildlife Trust is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is welcome. As a conservation charity, we recognise the importance of diversity in both nature and our workforce of staff and volunteers. We strive to ensure that everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to our vision of “A Wilder Suffolk where nature is thriving and abundant because everyone is doing more to help”.
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Assistant Café Supervisor at Carlton Marshes Visitor Centre employer: Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Contact Detail:
Suffolk Wildlife Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Café Supervisor at Carlton Marshes Visitor Centre
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the café and its vibe before your interview. Visit Carlton Marshes, grab a coffee, and soak in the atmosphere. This will help you connect with the team and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Think of scenarios you might face in the café and how you'd handle them. Being able to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities during the interview can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership experience! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led a team or managed a busy environment. This is key for the Assistant Café Supervisor role, so make it count!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Carlton Marshes.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Café Supervisor at Carlton Marshes Visitor Centre
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nature: When you're writing your application, let your love for nature and wildlife shine through. We want to see how your enthusiasm aligns with our mission at Suffolk Wildlife Trust, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in customer service and food preparation. We’re looking for someone who can lead a team and maintain high standards, so showcase any supervisory roles you've had before.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: If you choose to include a cover letter, use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Assistant Café Supervisor role. Share specific examples of your past experiences that relate to the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Carlton Marshes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Wildlife Trust
✨Know Your Café Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the café's menu and any special offerings. Being able to discuss your favourite dishes or suggest pairings shows your enthusiasm and knowledge, which can impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Whether it’s resolving conflicts or motivating staff during busy periods, demonstrating your leadership experience will be key for this role.
✨Emphasise Customer Service Excellence
Think of specific instances where you provided outstanding customer service. Share these stories during the interview to highlight your ability to create a welcoming atmosphere that aligns with the café's mission.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about food preparation, stock management, and cleanliness standards. Brush up on your knowledge of health and safety regulations in a café setting, as this will show you're serious about maintaining high standards.