Assistant Manager - Espresso Bar (New Opening) in London

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.

An Assistant House Manager at WatchHouse is the embodiment of our Core Values and brand standards. They assist in ensuring the House delivers exceptional guest experiences, supports excellent financial performance, and contributes to operational excellence. By working closely with the House Manager, they help create a vibrant, dynamic, and welcoming environment for both team members and guests. This role requires a hands‑on approach to support the needs of the team and guests, keeping WatchHouse at the forefront of hospitality. At WatchHouse, we are committed to teaching and developing our Assistant House Managers—if you bring the drive and enthusiasm, we’ll provide the tools to help you thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and Motivate the Team: Assist in fostering a collaborative and passionate work environment, encouraging the team to consistently perform at their best.
• Assist in Financial Oversight: Support the House Manager with financial responsibilities, focusing on KPIs, and identifying ways to increase revenue and drive efficiency.
• Daily Operations: Help oversee daily operations to ensure the Modern Coffee Experience is delivered to every guest, every day, understanding that hospitality sets WatchHouse apart.
• Opening and Closing Procedures: Assist in ensuring smooth opening and closing procedures, proactively manage issues, and help maintain a well‑stocked and functional cafe.
• Mentorship and Development: Actively support the mentoring and development of team members, ensuring opportunities for growth within WatchHouse.
• Compliance and Standards: Help manage and maintain compliance within the House, from daily due diligence to EHO inspections.
• Cleanliness and Service: Support the House Manager in upholding the highest standards of cleanliness, quality, and service across the House.
• Workplace Culture: Contribute to creating a vibrant, sociable, and exciting workplace that employees are proud to be a part of.
• Problem‑Solving: Address challenges with a proactive and solutions‑oriented mindset, ensuring a seamless customer experience.
• Collaboration with Senior Management: Work closely with the House Manager and senior management to align the House with WatchHouse 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.

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.