Cafe - Shift Lead

Here at the Hollies Farm Shop we’re looking for a hands‑on, people‑focused FOH/Kitchen Shift Lead to join our vibrant team. This is a dynamic split role where you’ll lead both front‑of‑house service and support our kitchen team, ensuring every guest enjoys exceptional food and a warm, memorable experience. As shift leader you will support the Café Manager in overseeing daily operations, leading the front‑of‑house team and ensuring excellent customer service. This role is hands‑on and requires strong leadership, organisational skills and a passion for hospitality.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day‑to‑day café operations, creating shift briefs to ensure smooth service
• Maintain high standards of customer service and product quality
• Oversee opening and closing procedures
• Comply with HACCP procedures and daily Logit reports
• Monitor stock levels, wastage and assist with ordering and inventory control
• Handle cash control, daily takings, and appropriate reporting

Team Leadership

• Lead, motivate and support café staff during shifts
• Assist with staff training and onboarding
• Allocate duties and manage shift coverage
• Ensure team compliance with company policies and procedures

Customer Experience

• Handle customer feedback, complaints and service issues professionally
• Build positive relationships with regular customers
• Ensure the café environment is welcoming, clean and organised in all areas

Quality, Health & Safety

• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety standards
• Monitor cleanliness and presentation of all front‑of‑house areas, including seating areas
• Support quality control for food and beverage preparation, maintaining consistency

Administration & Reporting

• Assist with cash handling, POS reconciliation and daily reporting
• Support the Café/takeaway Manager with rostering and operational planning
• Communicate effectively with management regarding issues or improvements

Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in a café/takeaway role
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Excellent customer service and problem‑solving abilities
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast‑paced environment
• Basic computer and POS system knowledge and willingness to learn

Personal Attributes

• Professional, approachable and confident leader
• Organised with strong attention to detail
• Reliable and flexible with availability including weekends
• Passionate about hospitality and team development

In the absence of the Café Manager, you will act as the senior on duty, always maintaining professionalism and discretion and using positive, supportive terminology when representing the business. You will be responsible for completing rota and payroll duties accurately and on time. You will place orders efficiently, monitor stock levels and minimise waste. You will lead by example, keeping the team motivated, engaged and focused during service. You will conduct regular one‑to‑one meetings with team members to provide feedback, support development and address any performance or wellbeing concerns.

Benefits

• Employee discount
• On‑site parking

If you’re a natural leader with a passion for great food, smooth service and creating a positive team culture, we’d love to hear from you.