Job Description

Overview

We are recruiting a cafe manager to manage and run Cafe Lido. The cafe offers a range of snacks, cakes, and hot and cold drinks on the Portishead Open Air Pool site. We have indoor seating for about 30 people with outside terraces offering additional seating areas. The cafe is open all the year round but with reduced hours during the Winter months.

Background

Portishead Open Air Pool is run by a charity (Portishead Pool Community Trust - "the Trust") which took on the management of the pool in 2009, after North Somerset Council drew up plans to close it. The Trust has successfully run the pool since then and has increased annual visitor numbers from under 10,000 before 2009 to more than 50,000 each year. The pool is funded from the sale of swim tickets, donations, grants and fund-raising, and income from the adjoining Cafe Lido, which is also run as a community facility by the Trust. It is situated in a stunning position on Portishead Esplanade, and benefits from considerable local community support and ongoing media interest. The pool opens for heated swimming from April to October (and over Christmas and New Year) and opens on a reduced hours basis for unheated sessions from October to April. Besides employing a number of paid staff we are very reliant on volunteers to help run both the pool and cafe.

Role

Reporting to the Cafe Directors (representing the Board of Trustees), you will be responsible, as a Cafe Manager, for ensuring that the cafe is ready to open at the start of the day, overseeing the work of Cafe Supervisors, Assistants and volunteers (which includes some people with disabilities gaining work experience, who attend with, or without, a carer), ensuring good customer service, health and safety, cleaning and closing at the end of the day. In addition, you will have duties, related to cafe stock, staff and volunteers and liaison with suppliers and other organisations.

Responsibilities

General tasks

Open up and prepare the premises for service at the start of the day Brief the staff/volunteers, as required, on the day's activities Ensure sufficient stocks of all food and drinks are available at the point of sale at the start of the day and replenished as required Stock control and rotation; regular stock checks, ordering new stock direct from suppliers; ensuring deliveries are checked and stored on arrival Operate the 'Suprema' coffee machine (after Barista training, if necessary) along with selected, trained, staff and volunteers Clean and close the premises securely at the end of the day

Food safety etc

Ensure that all Health and Safety and Food Hygiene standards are met Ensure that all activities are carried out in accordance with the Cafe Operating
and 'Safer Foods Better Business' Manuals

Ensure that all set up, close down and other checks are performed and documented Ensure that all the necessary records are completed and stored

Customer Service

Provide a welcoming and friendly service to customers, and ensure that staff and volunteers are behaving and operating accordingly Ensure that all food and drinks are prepared and served to the highest standards

Finance

Prepare the till/card reader at the start of the day (cash float etc) Record the takings at the end of the day and store the cash securely Ensure that all paid staff complete accurate Daily/Weekly Timesheets and sign these off at the end of each day, so pay roll has accurate records of staff hours

Staff/Volunteers

Ensure that staff/volunteer rotas are completed and that all shifts are covered Recruitment, Induction, training and ongoing performance and development of paid staff (Cafe Supervisors, Cafe Assistants), including Food Hygiene off-the-job training in lieu of formal certification, where appropriate, for Cafe Assistants and Volunteers Recruitment, Induction and ongoing training and development of volunteers Ensure that all relevant on-the-job training for new staff and volunteers is completed and recorded Ensure that all staff and volunteers are trained to follow the relevant Work Instructions in the Cafe Operating Manual (eg Dishwasher, Coffee Machine, Till) Liaise with local care organisations to set up and manage work experience placements (unpaid) for people with disabilities

Equipment etc

Observe that all the equipment in use is operating safely and efficiently and report any problems to the Facilities Management Team, this includes any missing or faulty equipment.

Cleaning etc

Ensure all cleaning/sanitising tasks are performed and, if necessary, recorded Ensure all areas in use inside and outside the cafe premises are regularly checked and kept clean and tidy (eg tables cleared, no litter) Ensure that all non-recyclable waste bins (including those outside the Cafe premises) are emptied when full and the bags placed in the general waste bin for collection Ensure that all recyclable waste is separated and placed in the recycling bin in the yard for collection
This list is not exhaustive and the postholder is expected to assist in other reasonable duties as required. The job description may be subject to change, following consultation, to meet the needs of the Trust,

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Person Specification

Qualifications:

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 3) attained within the past 3 years First Aid Certificate preferred, but not essential Vocational qualification in Catering and/or Hospitality sector preferred, but not essential Supervisor/Management qualification/experience

Skills/competencies:

Previous supervisory experience and the ability to lead a team of paid staff and volunteers Excellent customer service skills Ability to communicate clearly with staff, volunteers, customers, suppliers, other organisations and the Operations Team Understanding of and commitment to Equality, Inclusion and Diversity Flexible approach to different working patterns

Desirable previous experience:

Health and Safety at work Recruitment, training and managing paid staff and volunteers Working in a busy cafe environment Catering and hospitality sector Cash handling Stock control/rotation and dealing with suppliers Able to use a computer, keep relevant records Chairing meetings

Personal qualities:

A sense of commitment to the Cafe's ethos as a key asset for the local community and the Portishead Pool Community Trust Efficient and reliable, able to deal with a disparate range of people and wide variety of organisations Friendly and confident demeanour
The Trust is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Terms of working

This post is a minimum of 21 hours of work each week, this includes some weekend working, it is also dependent on the needs of the business and opening hours of Cafe Lido. The basic rate of pay is 15 per hour, plus holiday pay of 1.81 per hour. Due to the variable shift patterns involved you will be paid your basic and holiday pay monthly in arrears for the actual number of hours you work. The Trust operates Statutory Sick Pay and a Pension Scheme. Further details will be provided on appointment.

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Cafe Manager to oversee the daily operations of our cafe. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and a passion for hospitality, ensuring that our team delivers exceptional service while maintaining high standards of food safety and quality. This role requires a hands-on approach to supervising staff, managing food production, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for our customers.

Duties

Supervise and coordinate daily cafe operations, ensuring smooth workflow and efficient service. Lead, train, and motivate kitchen and front-of-house staff to deliver outstanding customer experiences. Oversee food production processes, ensuring adherence to culinary standards and food safety regulations. Assist in cooking and preparing menu items as needed, maintaining high quality and presentation standards. Manage inventory levels, ordering supplies, and controlling waste to optimise profitability. Implement health and safety protocols in compliance with local regulations and best practices. Develop and maintain positive relationships with customers, addressing any concerns or feedback promptly. Collaborate with the team to create seasonal menus that reflect current trends and customer preferences.

Qualifications

Proven experience in a supervisory role within the hospitality or restaurant industry. Strong knowledge of food production techniques, culinary skills, and food safety practices. Excellent leadership abilities with a focus on team development and motivation. Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with an emphasis on customer service. A passion for food and hospitality, with an understanding of current industry trends. Flexibility to work various shifts as required by the cafe's operational needs.
If you are enthusiastic about leading a dynamic team in a vibrant cafe environment while upholding the highest standards of service and quality, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From 16.81 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 21 per week

Benefits:

Company pension
Schedule:

Monday to Friday Weekend availability
Licence/Certification:

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Cafemanager001
Expected start date: 01/08/2025