General Manager - Coffee shop

General Manager - Coffee shop

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
W

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a vibrant coffee shop, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and team success.
  • Company: Join WatchHouse, a dynamic coffee shop with a passion for hospitality.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free drinks, lunch, and discounts, plus a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Great career progression opportunities and best-in-class training await you.
  • Why this job: Be a hands-on leader in a fast-paced setting, making a real impact on your team.
  • Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and a passion for creating outstanding customer experiences.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

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, and 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.

Directly Reports: Area Operations Manager.

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 seek ways to increase revenue and drive efficiency.
  • Oversee daily operations to ensure the Modern Coffee Experience is delivered to every guest, every day, knowing that hospitality is what sets WatchHouse apart.
  • 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.
  • 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.

General Manager - Coffee shop employer: WatchHouse - Maltby Street

At WatchHouse, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and dynamic work culture. As a General Manager, you will not only lead a passionate team but also benefit from comprehensive training, career progression opportunities, and unique perks such as free coffee and meals, all while working in beautifully designed spaces. Our commitment to employee growth and well-being ensures that you thrive both personally and professionally in the heart of hospitality.

W

Contact Details:

WatchHouse - Maltby Street Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land General Manager - Coffee shop

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the coffee shop industry. Attend local events, join online forums, or even pop into your favourite cafes and chat with the staff. You never know who might have a lead on a General Manager position!

Tip Number 2

Show off your passion for hospitality! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your experiences and what makes you tick. Let them see that you live and breathe the values of a great coffee shop, just like WatchHouse does.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. For a role like House Manager, it’s crucial to align with their vision. Be ready to discuss how you can create that vibrant, welcoming environment they’re after!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in being part of the WatchHouse family.

We think you need these skills to ace General Manager - Coffee shop

Leadership
Team Motivation
Financial Management
Operational Excellence
Customer Experience
Food Hygiene Standards
Health & Safety Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for hospitality shine through! We want to see how you embody our core values of Passion, Empathy, Diligence, and Can Do. Share specific examples that highlight your enthusiasm for creating exceptional guest experiences.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the role of House Manager at WatchHouse. Highlight your leadership skills and experience in managing both front-of-house and back-of-house operations. We love seeing how your unique background aligns with our vision and goals!

Be Authentic:We appreciate authenticity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. Share your story and what makes you a great fit for our vibrant and dynamic environment. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can create a welcoming atmosphere for both guests and team members.

Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get you one step closer to joining our amazing team at WatchHouse!

How to prepare for a job interview at WatchHouse - Maltby Street

Know Your Core Values

Before the interview, make sure you understand WatchHouse's core values: Passion, Empathy, Diligence, and Can Do. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you embody these values. This will show your alignment with the company culture.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a General Manager, you'll need to motivate and empower your team. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight any mentoring experiences that showcase your commitment to developing others.

Understand Financial Metrics

Brush up on your knowledge of financial metrics relevant to running a coffee shop. Be ready to discuss how you've previously managed budgets, increased revenue, or improved efficiency. This will demonstrate your ability to take ownership of the House’s financials.

Prepare for Operational Scenarios

Think about potential challenges you might face in a high-volume coffee shop environment. Prepare to discuss how you would handle issues like staffing shortages or customer complaints. Showing that you can think on your feet and maintain operational excellence will impress your interviewers.