The Watering Place, Sudbury, Suffolk + Outside catering events.
(35+ hours per week, rota-based)
Salary:
19,500 to 21,500 per annum
Reports to:
Owners/Head Chef
About Us:
We are a friendly, family-run bistro cafe known for our warm hospitality, quality food, and close-knit team. Our business is built on community spirit and a genuine love for great service. In addition to running our cafe, we also offer outside catering for private functions, corporate events, and special occasions--so no two days are ever the same!
Job Overview:
We're looking for an enthusiastic and capable
Assistant Bistro Cafe Manager
to help oversee daily operations, support our team, and maintain our high standards of service. This is a hands-on role, ideal for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment and who takes pride in delivering great experiences both in the cafe and off-site at catered events.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Front-of-House Operations
Oversee daily cafe operations to ensure a clean, efficient, and welcoming environment
Maintain high standards of presentation across the dining area, counter, coffee station, gardens, entrance and other guest facing areas.
Lead by example in providing a friendly, knowledgeable, and personal service to all customers
Respond to customer enquiries, complaints, and feedback in a professional and positive manner
Manage table flow, wait times, and guest expectations during busy periods with strong communication with staff and guests.
Ensure the cafe opens and closes smoothly according to checklists and operational standards in a timely manner.
2. Team Supervision & Development
Support the Cafe Manager in training new staff and onboarding seasonal hires
Motivate and guide front-of-house staff to deliver consistent, high-quality service
Monitor team performance during shifts and provide real-time support and encouragement
Encourage open communication and a respectful team culture rooted in collaboration
Help manage shift rotas to ensure proper staffing levels during peak and quiet times
3. Food & Beverage Oversight
Assist with food prep, barista duties, and counter service when needed
Ensure food and drink are served to the correct standard, portion, and presentation
Maintain excellent knowledge of the menu, ingredients, and any allergen information
Monitor food safety practices including temperature checks, hygiene logs, and allergen protocols
Maintain a clean and organised workspace in line with food hygiene and safety regulations (Level 2 or 3 certification desirable)
4. Outside Catering & Events Support
Assist with planning, packing, and preparing food for off-site catering bookings
Occasionally attend events to help with setup, service, and takedown (own vehicle preferable)
Communicate event details clearly to the team to ensure accuracy and timeliness
Represent the business brand and uphold service standards during external events
5. Cash Handling & Administration
Process card and cash transactions accurately using the till system
Complete end-of-day cashing-up procedures and secure the till
Report discrepancies or maintenance issues to the Cafe Manager promptly
Assist with basic admin tasks such as orders, supplier communication, guest enquires, stock takes etc.
6. Stock & Supplies Management
Monitor stock levels of food, drinks, cleaning products, and disposables
Alert the Cafe Manager when supplies are running low & use ordering systems to reorder being mindful of cost effective solutions and suppliers.
Receive deliveries, check for accuracy and quality, and store items appropriately
Help reduce waste by promoting efficient stock rotation and portion control
Job Expectations:
We're looking for someone who can be a trusted part of our team and embody our values of consistency, warmth, and professionalism.
You are expected to:
Be
flexible with working hours
, including mornings, weekends, and very occasional evenings as part of a weekly rota
Be
comfortable taking the lead
when the Cafe Manager is off-site or unavailable
Have a
strong attention to detail
, especially around food safety, hygiene, and presentation
Demonstrate
excellent communication skills
, both with customers and colleagues
Work well under pressure during busy service periods without compromising on quality or service
Take initiative, solve problems calmly, and keep things running smoothly in the moment
Be
willing and able to attend off-site events
, including carrying or transporting food and equipment -- a
driving licence and access to a vehicle
is highly preferable for this reason
Represent the cafe's values, standards, and friendly personality at all times
Requirements:
To succeed in this role, you should ideally have:
Previous experience
in a supervisory or team leader role in a cafe, bistro, restaurant, or catering business
A natural sense of hospitality and a passion for
delivering excellent customer service
Experience as a barista
or in food and drink preparation (& willingness to be trained)
A working knowledge of
food hygiene, allergen awareness
, and
health & safety regulations
(Level 2 or 3 certification is a plus)
The ability to
multi-task, stay calm under pressure
, and remain organised in a fast-paced setting
A
positive, can-do attitude
, with a flexible and cooperative mindset
Full UK driving licence and access to a car
(strongly preferred, especially for off-site catering work)
The
right to work in the UK
Benefits:
Competitive salary
Free meals or staff discount during shifts
A warm, family-run work environment
Opportunities to get involved in varied events and outside catering
Training and room for professional growth
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: 19,500.00-21,500.00 per year
Expected hours: 35 per week
Experience:
Hospitality: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person
Expected start date: 15/09/2025
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