At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant team and ensure exceptional guest experiences in a bustling café environment.
- Company: Join WatchHouse, a people-first business in the heart of Borough Market.
- Benefits: Enjoy free coffee, competitive salary, bonuses, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Experience a supportive culture with best-in-class training and exciting team events.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values passion, empathy, and personal growth.
- Qualifications: Leadership skills and a passion for hospitality and specialty coffee.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This summer, we’re proud to open the doors to our new House in Borough Market, one of London’s most iconic and characterful neighbourhoods. Known for its rich culinary heritage and bustling market culture, the area blends historic charm with a vibrant, contemporary energy at the heart of the city.
A House Manager is the embodiment of WatchHouse - from Core Values to brand standards, the House Manager is a leader with passion and purpose at their core. Ensuring your House delivers exceptional guest experiences and excellent financial performance along with operational excellence, owning the success of your team. You create a vibrant, dynamic, and welcoming environment for both your team and guests. This role needs a hands-on approach - you keep your ear to the ground on the needs of your team and guests to ensure we are always at the forefront of hospitality. At WatchHouse, we believe in teaching and developing our managers— if you bring the leadership, we’ll equip you with the tools to thrive.
Key Responsibilities:
- Motivate and empower your team to consistently perform at their best, fostering a collaborative and passionate work environment.
- Take ownership of your House’s financials, focusing on KPIs, and continuously seeking ways to increase revenue and drive efficiency.
- Oversee daily operations to ensure the Modern Coffee Experience is delivered to every guest, every day.
- Ensure smooth opening and closing procedures, proactively manage issues, and maintain a well-stocked and functional cafe.
- Actively mentor and develop your team, ensuring opportunities for growth and development within WatchHouse.
- Manage and maintain all compliance in your House, from daily due diligence to EHO inspections.
- Uphold and instil the highest standards of cleanliness, quality, and service across the House.
- Create a vibrant, sociable, and exciting workplace that employees are proud to be a part of.
- Address challenges with a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset, ensuring a seamless customer experience.
- Work closely with senior management to align your House with WatchHouse’s vision and goals.
Key Skills:
- Live and breathe the WatchHouse Core Values of Passion, Empathy, Diligence and Can Do.
- Always maintain a high level of personal hygiene and appearance.
- A hands-on leader who motivates and supports their team to achieve operational and personal excellence.
- Comprehensive understanding of Food Hygiene and Health & Safety standards.
- Strong understanding of financial metrics and the ability to drive a profitable and high-performing site.
- Skilled in managing both front-of-house and back-of-house operations in a high-volume environment.
- Passionate about creating outstanding customer experiences with attention to detail and quality.
- Thrive in a fast-paced environment, adjusting as needed to meet evolving business needs.
- Committed to mentoring and developing your team members to help them grow and succeed.
- Unwavering focus on cleanliness, organization, and maintaining impeccable service levels.
- Quick thinker who can address and resolve issues efficiently and effectively.
- Confident in making decisions, taking ownership, and leading your House independently.
What can you expect at WatchHouse:
- Free Coffee & Drinks – Always – Sip on your favourite drinks, even on your days off.
- 40-hour Contract – Benefit from stable, consistent hours with a schedule that supports life outside of work.
- Up to £8,000 performance-based annual bonus opportunity.
- Monthly Coffee Gift – Take home 250g of premium WatchHouse coffee every month.
- Free Lunch Every Shift – Fuel up with great food on the house.
- Team Social Budget – Celebrate, connect, and unwind with your team outside of work.
- Annual WatchHouse Party – Our legendary celebration featuring Core Value Awards, and prizes like trips to coffee farms!
- 30% Off All Food – Any House, any time, just for being part of the team.
- 30% Off Retail Coffee – Stock up on your favourite WatchHouse blends whenever you like.
- Work in Beautifully Designed Houses – Join inspiring spaces equipped with industry-leading tools, surrounded by passionate hospitality professionals.
- Supportive Managers – We listen, we care, and we adapt to support your needs.
- Best-in-Class Training – From your first shift, we set you up for success with on- and off-shift development.
- Access to SCA Training – Advance your coffee expertise with recognised industry training (role dependent).
- Off-Shift Induction Experience – Get to know WatchHouse culture with a full day induction in your first two weeks.
- Career Progression That’s Real – With new Houses and growth across the business, your next step is never far away.
At WatchHouse, we were born from a passion to do better—driven by diligence, attention to detail, and a genuine care for our craft and our people. We are a people-first business that values individuality, personality, and the unique contributions of every team member. We champion diversity, insist on equality, and foster inclusion as a non-negotiable part of our culture. Our team thrives in a respectful, collaborative environment where feedback is welcomed, support is mutual, and excellence is pursued together. Guided by our core values—passion, can do, diligence, and empathy—we build meaningful relationships, celebrate contributions, and work with purpose to deliver the Modern Coffee experience.
House Manager employer: WatchHouse - Borough Market
At WatchHouse, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and dynamic work culture in the heart of Borough Market, London. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through best-in-class training, real career progression opportunities, and a supportive management team that values individuality and collaboration. With unique benefits like free coffee, monthly gifts, and a strong focus on work-life balance, we create an inspiring environment where our team can thrive and deliver outstanding guest experiences.
Contact Details:
WatchHouse - Borough Market Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land House Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the hospitality industry. Attend events, join local groups, or even just chat with folks at your favourite coffee spots. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, let your passion for hospitality shine through. Share your experiences and how you embody the core values of WatchHouse—this will make you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a House you love, don’t wait for a job posting. Pop in, introduce yourself, and express your interest in working there. A friendly face can go a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! We’ve got loads of resources and tips to help you land that House Manager role. Plus, applying directly through us shows you’re serious about joining the WatchHouse family. Let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
We think you need these skills to ace House Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for hospitality and coffee shine through. We want to see that you live and breathe our core values—make sure to highlight experiences that reflect your enthusiasm!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the House Manager role. Mention specific skills and experiences that align with what we’re looking for, like team leadership and financial management.
Be Authentic:We love individuality, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. Share your unique story and how it connects to the role at WatchHouse. Authenticity goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at WatchHouse - Borough Market
✨Know Your Coffee
As a House Manager, your passion for specialty coffee should shine through. Brush up on your coffee knowledge and be ready to discuss your favourite brews and how they align with WatchHouse's offerings. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the brand.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've motivated and empowered your team in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you fostered collaboration or addressed challenges effectively. This will demonstrate your hands-on leadership style that aligns with the expectations at WatchHouse.
✨Understand Financial Metrics
Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the hospitality industry. Be ready to discuss how you've previously driven revenue and efficiency in your past roles. This will show that you can take ownership of the House’s financials and contribute to its success.
✨Emphasise Customer Experience
Prepare to talk about your approach to creating exceptional guest experiences. Share specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. This aligns perfectly with WatchHouse's commitment to delivering the Modern Coffee experience every day.