At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead café operations, manage a team, and support individuals facing mental health challenges.
- Company: Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity in England.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, life assurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in café management, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25877 - 30868 £ per year.
Location: Epsom
Contract Type: Mat cover 12 months
Salary: £25,877.80 - £30,868.31 per annum
Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.
About Waythrough
Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.
Make a real difference in your community
Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.
About the role
Waythrough is looking for a Café Team Manager to lead the day-to-day running of the café based within The Old Moat Garden Centre. This is a hands-on management role combining café operations, team leadership, customer service, and wellbeing support. The role also involves supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges who are participating in café activities through work placements and volunteering opportunities. You will help create a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment while ensuring the café operates efficiently and professionally.
What you’ll do
- Manage the daily operations of the café and lead a team of café supervisors and casual staff
- Develop, cost, and deliver café menus and special offers
- Oversee food ordering, stock control, and financial reconciliation
- Ensure high standards of food safety, hygiene, and customer care are maintained
- Support the wellbeing and development of individuals with mental health problems participating in café activities
- Help manage referrals, conduct needs assessments and inductions
- Train and support clients through structured work placements and volunteering programmes
- Build positive relationships with suppliers and assist with contract negotiations
- Maintain a welcoming, professional, and customer-focused café environment
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience managing a catering service, café, restaurant, or food retail contract catering operation
- Strong leadership and employee supervision experience
- Experience selling products or services and negotiating supplier contracts
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Strong organisational, motivational, and time management abilities
- Ability to remain calm, resilient, and professional under pressure
- A proactive approach with the ability to work independently and use initiative
- Commitment to delivering excellent customer service
- Advanced Food Hygiene qualification
- An interest in and commitment to supporting people with mental health problems would be advantageous
What We Offer
We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:
- 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
- Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%
- Life assurance (3× annual salary)
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay
- Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave
- Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications
- 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
- Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals
- £500 Recommend a Friend bonus
- Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
- Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good
- Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year
Inclusion and accessibility
Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation. If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk
Closing Date: 2026-06-18
Cafe Team Manager (Epsom) - Maternity cover employer: Waythrough
Waythrough is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while working as a Café Team Manager in Epsom. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work culture that values inclusivity and personal growth. Join us to lead a dedicated team in a vibrant café environment, where you can help individuals facing mental health challenges thrive through work placements and volunteering initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cafe Team Manager (Epsom) - Maternity cover
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Waythrough. Understand their mission and values, especially how they support mental health. This will help you connect your experience with what they’re all about.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on your leadership experience and how you've managed teams in the past, as this is key for the Café Team Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you talk about your experience, make sure to highlight your commitment to supporting people with mental health challenges. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Cafe Team Manager (Epsom) - Maternity cover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for helping others shine through. We want to see how you connect with our mission at Waythrough and how you can make a difference in the community.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in managing café operations or similar roles. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to create a positive environment.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Café Team Manager role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waythrough
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with Waythrough’s mission and values. Understand their approach to mental health support and how the café fits into that. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect your experience to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Café Team Manager, you'll need strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to motivate staff and create a positive work environment.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Excellence
Customer service is key in this role. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve gone above and beyond for customers. Think about how you can apply those experiences to ensure a welcoming atmosphere in the café.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the café operations, team dynamics, and how they support individuals with mental health challenges. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
