Job Description

Cornerstone Cafe Overview

We are a small, independent

Sober Cafe and community hub

--a warm, welcoming space that celebrates connection, wellbeing, and great coffee without the need for alcohol. Whether it's someone's first step into sobriety or simply a preference for mindful socialising, our cafe is a safe, inclusive environment for all.

Job Overview

The Cornerstone Cafe Manager will be responsible for the daily operation, culture, and growth of the Cornerstone Cafe -- a recovery-focused social enterprise operated by Essex Recovery Foundation. The Cafe serves as a welcoming space for the recovery and wider community, and the manager will work directly with individuals in recovery, creating a supportive and empowering environment for staff and customers alike.

Operational Management

Oversee all aspects of cafe operations, including food safety, stock control, equipment maintenance, and daily cash handling.

Deliver high standards of service, hygiene, and presentation in line with ERF values and food safety regulations.

Lead daily briefings, rota planning, and ordering to ensure smooth day-to-day running.

Manage opening and closing procedures and ensure appropriate cover during operational hours.

Leadership

Line-manage a small team of up to 4 people.

Support the development, wellbeing, and progression of team members, fostering a strengths-based working environment.

Create a culture of mutual respect, personal responsibility, and inclusive teamworking.

Customer & Community Engagement

Ensure the cafe is welcoming and inclusive to all, especially the wider recovery community.

Build strong relationships with customers, local partners, and ERF stakeholders to grow the cafe's reputation and footfall.

Respond to feedback and manage any customer concerns with sensitivity and professionalism.

Training & Development

Support ERF's mission by identifying training opportunities for all staff.

Work closely with the ERF team to align cafe activities with wider recovery goals.

Commercial & Strategic Development

Monitor and report on cafe performance against KPIs (footfall, income, cost control, etc.).

Contribute ideas and deliver initiatives to grow the cafe's impact and sustainability, including community events, partnerships, or menu innovation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

Experience in managing a hospitality venue, ideally a cafe or similar food-led business.

Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a diverse team with sensitivity and skill.

Strong commitment to inclusion and equality of opportunity.

High standards of food hygiene and safety (Level 2 Food Safety required; Level 3 desirable).

Excellent communication and organisational skills.

Barista or specialty coffee experience

Desirable

Lived experience of recovery or experience working in recovery-focused settings.

Experience working in a social enterprise or charitable organisation.

If you are passionate about delivering exceptional service in a vibrant cafe setting, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity as Cafe Manager.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 27,000.00-30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Discounted or free food
Experience:

Coffee shop management: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 17/08/2025
Reference ID: Cafe Manager
Expected start date: 01/09/2025