Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of baristas and deliver exceptional customer service in a vibrant café.
- Company: Join Waterstones, a beloved bookselling cornerstone in the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for coffee and books while creating a welcoming space for customers.
- Qualifications: Experience in café management and a flair for outstanding customer service.
- Other info: Be part of a thriving company with a rich history and exciting future.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We are looking for a Café Manager to join our friendly and dynamic team here at Waterstones in Sunderland. Our Café Managers are at the very heart of the cafes within our Bookshops. They lead a team of baristas and should be passionate about offering exceptional customer service. They have great coffee knowledge, can demonstrate a flair for commercialism, and understand the importance of providing a welcoming ambience for our customers to relax in our cafés.
What you will be doing
- Deliver excellent customer service.
- Ensure the café maintains high standards and deliver the commercial offer.
- Have a flexible approach and show initiative.
- Train and support your team.
- Set clear standards and encourage innovation.
- Manage merchandising and ambience to create a welcoming environment.
What we need from you
- Passion for coffee and delivering outstanding customer service.
- Previous experience of running a café and leading a team.
- Confident in managing merchandising and creating a warm environment.
- Be commercially savvy and ensure team awareness of targets.
- Experience in promoting a passion for learning within your team.
Person Profile
- A real passion for coffee and books.
- Outstanding customer service skills.
- Some experience of leading a team.
- Willingness and ability to work as part of a team.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Good command of English (speaking, reading, writing).
Why work for Waterstones
Waterstones is the cornerstone of bookselling across the UK and Ireland. Joining Waterstones means being an active part in a success story that began in 1982. Trading across the UK, Ireland and Europe, we are present in over 300 shopping locations, where Waterstones continues to thrive.
If you have the relevant essential experience and you are interested, we would love to hear from you.
Cafe Manager in Sunderland employer: Waterstones
Contact Detail:
Waterstones Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cafe Manager in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the café scene in Sunderland! Visit local cafés, chat with baristas, and soak up the atmosphere. This will not only give you insights into what makes a great café but also help you connect with potential colleagues and customers.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your coffee passion! When you get the chance to meet with the hiring team, share your favourite coffee experiences or even your go-to brewing methods. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your customer service skills! Role-play different scenarios with friends or family, focusing on how to handle various customer interactions. This will prepare you for any questions about customer service during interviews and show that you’re ready to lead a team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our Waterstones family and ready to bring your café management skills to life!
We think you need these skills to ace Cafe Manager in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Coffee: Make sure to highlight your love for coffee in your application. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about delivering an exceptional coffee experience for our customers.
Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills: Share examples of how you've led a team in the past. We’re keen to know how you’ve inspired others and created a positive working environment, so don’t hold back on those stories!
Be Commercially Savvy: We’re looking for someone who understands the business side of running a café. Mention any experience you have with targets or profitability, and how you’ve driven success in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey to joining our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waterstones
✨Know Your Coffee
Brush up on your coffee knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss different types of coffee beans, brewing methods, and what makes a great cup of coffee. This will show your passion for the product and your commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about times when you motivated your team or improved their performance. Highlighting your experience in training and supporting others will demonstrate that you're the right fit for managing a café team.
✨Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
Be ready to talk about how you would create a warm and inviting ambience in the café. Share ideas on merchandising and layout that could enhance the customer experience. This shows that you understand the importance of the environment in driving customer satisfaction.
✨Understand Commercial Goals
Familiarise yourself with basic commercial principles and be prepared to discuss how you would drive profitability in the café. Mention any previous experience with targets and how you’ve achieved them, as this will highlight your commercial savvy and ability to contribute to the café's success.