At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant community café, managing operations and supporting young volunteers.
- Company: Youth Options, a charity dedicated to empowering children and young people.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and enjoy a fulfilling role with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a welcoming space that supports local youth and fosters community spirit.
- Qualifications: Experience in café management, strong organisational skills, and a passion for mentoring young people.
The predicted salary is between 26910 - 27300 € per year.
Youth Options - a children and young people's charity - runs a community café at Mansell Park Pavilion Youth Centre, Millbrook, Southampton. The café is currently open 9am-4pm Tuesday to Saturday. Now entering its second year, the café has established itself as a warm, welcoming destination for the local community and a vital social enterprise providing real‑world training for young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).
We are now looking for an experienced and creative café manager to lead the café three days a week, including every Saturday. The remaining two days will be covered by a dedicated team of volunteers. This role requires someone who is comfortable lone working on‑site, skilled at setting up systems and routines that enable volunteers to run the café smoothly, and equally comfortable working closely with their line manager and the wider Youth Options team.
Contract type: Permanent, Part Time
Location: Millbrook, Southampton
Hours: 24 hours, 3 days a week, including Saturdays.
Reports to: Head of Targeted Support
Starting Salary: £26,910 to £27,300 pro rata
About you
- Experience in managing a café or similar customer‑facing environment.
- Using POS systems and programming them.
- Lone working on‑site while operating within clear management structures and taking direction from a line manager.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to set up systems and processes that volunteers can follow reliably.
- Recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers or a team.
- Creative and outward‑looking, with ideas for events and partnerships that grow the café’s reach and impact.
- Financial experience, including cash handling and budget management.
- Friendly, approachable and able to work with a wide range of people and organisations, with excellent customer service skills.
- Comfort and confidence working with young people who may have a criminal record, be NEET, or present with challenging needs and behaviours, providing patient, constructive training and mentoring in a supportive and non‑judgemental way.
- Affinity with the vision and mission of Youth Options to support children and young people to lead better lives.
- Availability to work every Saturday as part of a three‑day working week.
How to apply
Download the recruitment pack here and then complete the application form below. If you need any help with your application or have any questions, please contact admin@youthoptions.org.uk. We are committed to safeguarding and all posts are subject to an Enhanced DBS Check. Youth Options strives to be a diverse and inclusive organisation for our staff and those we support. If you require any adjustments at either application or interview, please contact us.
Community Café Manager in Southampton employer: Youth Options
Youth Options is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment at the heart of Millbrook, Southampton. As a Community Café Manager, you will play a pivotal role in empowering young people through real-world training while enjoying the benefits of flexible part-time hours and a collaborative culture that values creativity and community engagement. With opportunities for personal growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact, this position is perfect for those looking to contribute to a vital social enterprise.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Café Manager in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the café scene in your area! Visit local cafés, chat with managers, and understand what makes them tick. This will not only give you insights but also help you build connections that could be useful when you're applying.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality during interviews! We want to see how you connect with people, especially young ones. Bring your creativity to the table and share ideas for events or partnerships that could make the café even more vibrant.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from discussing your experience with volunteers. We love candidates who can demonstrate how they’ve recruited, trained, and supported teams in the past. Share specific examples that highlight your leadership skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, if you have any questions or need help, just reach out to us at admin@youthoptions.org.uk. We're here to support you!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Café Manager in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Community Café Manager. Highlight key skills and experiences that match your background.
Show Your Passion:We want to see your enthusiasm for the role! In your application, share why you're excited about managing our café and how you connect with our mission to support young people. Let your personality shine through!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience, especially in managing cafés or working with volunteers. We love seeing how your unique skills can benefit our community café.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. Follow the instructions in the recruitment pack carefully, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. We're here to help!
How to prepare for a job interview at Youth Options
✨Know Your Café Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the café's mission and how it serves the community. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals and be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed similar environments.
✨Showcase Your Volunteer Management Skills
Since this role involves working with volunteers, prepare to discuss your experience in recruiting, training, and supporting a team. Have a few anecdotes ready that highlight your ability to motivate and guide others, especially in a café setting.
✨Demonstrate Your Financial Savvy
Be prepared to talk about your experience with cash handling and budget management. You might want to bring examples of how you’ve successfully managed finances in previous roles, as this will show you can keep the café running smoothly.
✨Connect with Their Vision
Youth Options is all about supporting young people. Make sure you express your passion for this mission during the interview. Share any relevant experiences you have working with young people, especially those who may face challenges, and how you can contribute positively to their lives.
