At a Glance
- Tasks: Support daily operations and lead a passionate team in a vibrant community café.
- Company: Village Greens, a community-owned organic supermarket and café in Prestwich.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, community-focused work environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a focus on teamwork and community engagement.
- Why this job: Join us to make a positive impact on health and sustainability in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail or hospitality, strong leadership skills, and a passion for community values.
The predicted salary is between 18900 - 23100 £ per year.
Position Type: Full-Time / Part-Time (c. 30 hours per week)
Village Greens is a community-owned organic supermarket and café in the heart of Prestwich.
We are open 7 days per week.
Our mission is to be a community hub for happy, healthy, and sustainable living.
As a community-owned co-operative, we provide quality products and services that are healthy for mind, body, and pocket, while ensuring our profits are reinvested right back into the local community.
Role Purpose
As Assistant Shop and Café Manager, you will work hand-in-hand with the Shop and Café Manager to oversee daily operations, support our team, and champion our ethical mission.
You will ensure commercial excellence on the shop floor, step up to lead operations in the Manager's absence, and foster a welcoming environment for customers, staff, and volunteers alike.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Support and Floor Management
- Daily Excellence : Supervise daily floor operations, keeping the shop and café clean, fully stocked, and visually engaging.
- Process Execution : Maintain core retail and café processes to keep workflows efficient, fast, and organized.
- Stock Control : Manage daily stock rotation, minimise food waste, and coordinate with suppliers for reliable stock availability.
- Manager Deputisation : Assume full operational responsibility for the store and café during the Manager's absence.
- Compliance and Safety
- Standards Maintenance : Enforce strict adherence to ethical, legal, and regulatory standards on every shift.
- Regulatory Compliance : Maintain paperwork and daily checks for Health & Safety, Food Hygiene, Weights and Measures, and Soil Association certifications.
- Safe Environment : Ensure a safe, clean, and hygienic environment for all staff, volunteers, and visitors.
- Team Leadership and Coaching
- Rota and Support : Assist with staff and volunteer rotas, ensuring adequate coverage across both the shop and café.
- Volunteer Engagement : Support, motivate, and guide a diverse team of paid staff and dedicated community volunteers.
- Training Delivery : Assist in delivering practical training programmes to build team confidence and operational efficiency.
- Positive Culture : Cultivate a respectful, high-morale workplace focused on outstanding teamwork and inclusive values.
- Customer and Community Engagement
- Service Standards : Lead by example on the shop floor, providing exceptional service that welcomes and supports our community.
- Community Connection : Help coordinate in-store community activities and gather customer feedback to improve our product range.
Person Specification: What You Bring
- Team Supervision : Proven experience as an Assistant Manager or supervisor in a retail or hospitality environment.
- Daily Operations : Hands-on experience with EPOS systems, cash handling, stock rotation, and waste management.
- Inclusive Leadership : Ability to motivate, guide, and support paid staff and community volunteers of all backgrounds and ages.
- Core Compliance : Good understanding of food safety, health and safety, and workspace standards.
Knowledge of basic UK employment practices (including the Equality Act 2010 and Employment Rights Act 2026).
- Communication : Clear, friendly, and accessible communication style for interacting with the Board, customers, volunteers, and local suppliers.
- Co-op values : An understanding of, or passion for, cooperative values and community-led businesses.
- Digital and Social Media : Experience updating social media channels or assisting with local shop marketing.
- Barista and Café Skills : Competence in operating professional espresso machinery and a willingness to train staff and volunteers.
- Food Safety Certification : Possession of a Level 2 (or higher) Food Safety and Hygiene certificate.
- Diversity and Inclusion
Village Greens is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion among our workforce.
The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society, and for each employee to feel respected, supported, and able to give their best.
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Assistant Shop and Café Manager in Manchester employer: Village Greens (Prestwich) Co-operative Limited
Village Greens Community Co-op is an exceptional employer that prioritises community engagement and sustainable living in the heart of Prestwich. With a strong commitment to ethical practices, employees enjoy a supportive work culture that fosters teamwork and inclusivity, alongside opportunities for personal and professional growth. By reinvesting profits back into the local community, staff can take pride in their contributions to a healthier, happier environment for all.
Contact Details:
Village Greens (Prestwich) Co-operative Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Shop and Café Manager in Manchester
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Village Greens (Prestwich) Co-operative Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Village Greens (Prestwich) Co-operative Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to Village Greens (Prestwich) Co-operative Limited directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Shop and Café Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Village Greens (Prestwich) Co-operative Limited and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Village Greens (Prestwich) Co-operative Limited
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
