At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations and create an exceptional cafe experience for students.
- Company: York Students' Union, a vibrant community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £29,609, 38 days holiday, flexible working, and discounts.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the student experience while enjoying guaranteed time off during Christmas.
- Qualifications: Strong customer service skills and ability to manage under pressure.
The predicted salary is between 29609 - 29609 £ per year.
Reporting to: Operations Manager
Place of Work: York SU Student Centre, James College, Newton Way, York, YO10 5DD
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Starting at £29,609 per annum
Hours: 35 hrs per week
Holiday: 38 days per Year
Closing Date: Sunday 12th July 2026 at 5pm
Interview Location: The University of York Students' Union w/c 20th July
About the Role: We are looking for a capable and positive Cafe Venue Manager to lead our day-to-day operations and deliver an exceptional experience for our student community. The cafe is called The Kitchen and located at Alcuin College. If you bring strong customer service skills, a level head under pressure, and a proactive attitude, you’ll find a rewarding environment here to lead a team and drive the business forward.
In this role, you will take ownership of the venue's day-to-day operation, ensuring we meet sales and profit targets without ever compromising on quality. You will be responsible for leading a safe, well-run, and vibrant venue, which includes maintaining full compliance with food safety and licensing legislation at all times.
Our operational year has a unique rhythm that keeps the role engaging:
- Term Time (30 Weeks): Our primary focus is serving our vibrant student population during the busy semester periods.
- Out of Term: When the semesters wrap up, our focus shifts toward hosting conferences, managing on- and off-campus events, and working on strategic developments for the venue.
A Rare Hospitality Benefit: Because the campus closes entirely over the festive period, Christmas and New Year are guaranteed non-working periods—a perk virtually unheard of in high-street hospitality.
Working at York SU: At York SU we know that maintaining a great work life balance also improves our teams wellbeing, productivity and happiness, this is why we offer flexible working arrangements to suit personal needs and requirements. We have both a flexi-time work scheme and remote working policy available to staff as standard and welcome applicants to discuss their flexible requirements at the interview.
- A full time working week is 35 hours
- You receive 38 days holiday (including bank holidays and 4 paid closed Christmas days)
- You get extensive access to discounts and benefits
- There are paid volunteering opportunities
- You have access to the cycle to work schemes and other salary sacrifice options
- We offer a generous pension scheme
- You have the chance to shape the student experience for the better
York SU is committed to equality of opportunity - we are an organisation who works very hard to ensure we appoint based on merit. We would particularly welcome applications from candidates with disabilities and/or from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job. For example: in certain recruitment situations such as high number of applications, seasonal and high-peak times, we may have to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people.
If you are invited to interview with us we will share our interview questions in advance so you can feel a little more prepared. We’re more interested in hearing about your experiences and ideas than in testing your memory, and so we want you to feel as comfortable as possible.
If you have any further questions about the position, or if you have a requirement for adjustments that would make the application or interview process more accessible, please do not hesitate to contact us on hr@yorksu.org.
Please note that products containing nuts, dairy, gluten and other potential allergies are served within our venues. We however aim to support a nut free environment within our student centre by encouraging staff not to bring nut based products to work.
Cafe Venue Manager employer: Yusu
Yusu at the University of York is an exceptional employer for students looking to make a meaningful impact on their peers' experiences. With a strong focus on student governance, this role offers invaluable leadership and strategic decision-making opportunities, all while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. As a volunteer Trustee, you'll not only gain essential skills but also contribute to shaping the future of student life in a vibrant university setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cafe Venue Manager
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Yusu. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Yusu
Don't be shy about reaching out to Yusu directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Cafe Venue Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Yusu and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Yusu
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
