At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team, ensuring exceptional coffee experiences and operational excellence.
- Company: Join WatchHouse, an award-winning specialty coffee chain with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, free drinks, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting expansion and make a real impact in the coffee community.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and a passion for delivering outstanding customer experiences.
- Other info: Work in beautifully designed cafes with a supportive team and fun social events.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 ÂŁ per year.
About WatchHouse
WatchHouse is a group of specialty coffee houses located in iconic neighbourhoods across London, Bath and New York. We are dedicated to elevating the coffee experience through our “Modern Coffee” philosophy. From our award‑winning brews to our unmatched hospitality, we’re proud to have been named Europe’s Best Coffee Shop Chain at the 2024 European Coffee & Hospitality Awards.
Exciting New Chapter
We’re opening new locations soon at Battersea Power Station, Millennium Bridge, and Clapham, and we want you to be part of something special.
House Manager Role
As House Manager, you’ll embody WatchHouse, champion core values, uphold brand standards, and lead the team with passion and purpose. You’ll ensure operational excellence, deliver outstanding financial results, and foster a culture where both team and guests thrive.
Key Responsibilities
- Motivate and empower your team to consistently perform at their best, fostering a collaborative and passionate work environment.
- Take ownership of the 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.
- Mentor and develop the team, ensuring opportunities for growth and development within WatchHouse.
- Manage and maintain compliance, from daily due diligence to EHO inspections.
- Uphold 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 the House with WatchHouse’s vision and goals.
Key Skills
- Live and breathe the WatchHouse Core Values of Passion, Empathy, Diligence and Can Do.
- Maintain a high level of personal hygiene and appearance.
- Hands‑on leader who motivates and supports the 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.
- Thrives in a fast‑paced environment, adjusting as needed to meet evolving business needs.
- Committed to mentoring and developing 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 independently.
What You Can Expect At WatchHouse
- Beautifully designed Houses, industry‑leading equipment, and a team of hospitality professionals.
- Contracted hours every week for stability and work‑life balance.
- Access to the House Manager bonus scheme (up to ÂŁ8,000 per year).
- Free WatchHouse-made drinks (even on your days off).
- On‑ and off‑shift training during the first weeks.
- Access to SCA training and 250g of free coffee each month.
- Access to the Cycle to Work scheme.
- One day off following shift induction within the first two weeks.
- Genuine opportunities for career growth within WatchHouse.
- Free lunch on every shift.
- A social budget for each location to enjoy time with the team.
- An invitation to the annual WatchHouse Party, including Core Value Awards and prizes such as a trip to Coffee Farms.
- 30% off food at any WatchHouse.
- 30% off our retail coffee anytime.
Working at WatchHouse
WatchHouse was born from a passion to do better. Diligence and attention to detail are paramount. We strive for perfection and care deeply about the people around us. We are a people‑first business, curious and interested in those around us. We treat everyone with respect and pride ourselves on an environment where diversity is celebrated, equality is insisted, and inclusion is expected. We value individuality and believe the right person for the role should bring personality and unique strengths. Everyone is treated based on abilities, skills, performance, and behaviour assessed against the WatchHouse job description requirements. We are patient, considerate, encouraging, approachable, and communicate brilliantly. We plan ahead, prioritise, and respect others’ time. We complete every task to the best of our ability, ask for help when needed, and work cohesively with other departments. We build trust and camaraderie, inspiring others to work effectively together. Our four core values — passion, can do, diligence, and empathy — guide our decisions. To grow and succeed at WatchHouse, these values should resonate with you and drive your ambition.
Coffee Shop Manager. employer: WatchHouse
Contact Detail:
WatchHouse Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Coffee Shop Manager.
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, spend some time in a WatchHouse location. Chat with the staff and soak up the vibe. This will help you understand their core values and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've motivated a team or solved a problem in a fast-paced environment. Be ready to share these stories during your interview to demonstrate how you embody the WatchHouse spirit.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just talk about your experience; connect it to WatchHouse’s goals! Show how your background in managing coffee shops or similar environments aligns with their vision for operational excellence and outstanding customer experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm and fit for the House Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace Coffee Shop Manager.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for coffee and hospitality shine through. We want to see how you embody our core values of Passion and Empathy in your experiences.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Highlight your relevant experience in managing teams and operations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive financial results and create outstanding customer experiences.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. Show us how your unique strengths align with what we’re looking for at WatchHouse.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at WatchHouse!
How to prepare for a job interview at WatchHouse
✨Know Your Coffee
As a Coffee Shop Manager, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of coffee types, brewing methods, and the Modern Coffee philosophy. Brush up on your coffee knowledge and be ready to discuss your favourite brews and how you can elevate the coffee experience at WatchHouse.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how you motivate teams. Think of specific examples where you've empowered your team to achieve operational excellence or improved customer experiences. This will demonstrate that you embody the core values of passion and empathy.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Since you'll be taking ownership of the House’s financials, be ready to discuss your experience with KPIs and driving revenue. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or increased profitability in previous roles to show you're the right fit for the job.
✨Emphasise Your Problem-Solving Skills
WatchHouse values quick thinkers who can address challenges effectively. Prepare to share instances where you've resolved issues in a fast-paced environment, ensuring a seamless customer experience. This will highlight your proactive mindset and ability to lead independently.