Job Description

Hetty's Place, Gloucester Docks

Full time | 5 days per week

We're looking for a hands on Cafe Manager to take full ownership of the day-to-day running of Hetty's Place.

This is the

main management role

for the site. You'll be on the floor, in the rota, working closely with the team to lead service, set standards and make sure the cafe runs smoothly, confidently and profitably.

Our aim is to turn Hetty's Place into the flagship cafe for the wider Hetty's Kitchen business, creating a strong, well-run model that can be replicated as we grow.

This is a full-time role,

5 days per week, including weekends

. The cafe operates

daytime hours only

, with

no evening or late-night shifts

.

About the business

Hetty's Kitchen began in 2011 in a small flat overlooking Gloucester Docks, baking brownies by hand and selling them at local markets. From then, the business has grown beyond Gloucestershire, shipping nationwide and supplying wholesale customers, while staying rooted in its original values of making delicious food, by hand, with fresh local produce.

Hetty's Place is where the brand comes to life in person, where it all started in the Docks. Sharing our story through food, coffee, atmosphere and team. It's a busy, well-loved independent cafe, and this role plays a key part in making sure it's run with care, consistency and passion.

The role

As Cafe Manager, you'll be responsible for the smooth running of the cafe day to day, with a strong focus on front-of-house leadership and overall site operations.

You'll work closely with the Head Chef, who leads the kitchen day to day, while you take responsibility for the wider operation and team.

Key responsibilities include:

Leading the front-of-house operation day to day and during service

, confidently working across all FOH stations, with strong coffee skills essential

Managing the team end-to-end

, from rotas, holidays and staffing levels through to onboarding, performance management and recognising good work

Setting clear standards around service, cleanliness, pace and atmosphere

, and training the team to consistently meet them

Supporting the wider operation

by stepping into the kitchen when needed during busy or short-staffed periods, working closely with the Head Chef

Taking ownership of smooth, profitable day-to-day operations

, including labour planning, basic cost awareness, and ensuring the cafe is run safely, compliantly and professionally

Using simple systems and documentation to keep the cafe organised

, efficient and consistent

Working with the owner & Head Chef to improve how the cafe runs

and contribute to building a clear operational framework over time to act as blueprint for future openings

You'll be a great fit if you:

Have experience managing a busy cafe or hospitality site Are confident running service, rotas and people end-to-end Enjoy being present on the floor and leading by example Have strong coffee skills and understand service flow across FOH and BOH Are organised and tech-confident, comfortable using till systems, spreadsheets and shared documents Care about good systems, clear communication and doing things properly Like the idea of helping shape how a growing independent cafe operates

What we offer

A well-established cafe with a loyal local following A senior, trusted role with real responsibility Daytime-only working hours A collaborative, supportive founder relationship Competitive salary, depending on experience

To apply

Please send a CV and a short note telling why this role at Hetty's Place appeals to you.

Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 31,000.00-34,000.00 per year

Application question(s):

Please attach a cover letter separately, or include one here. Please make sure to say why you want to work for Hetty's Place. Picture this: it's a Saturday brunch shift, we're slammed, the coffee machine's screaming, you've had to send someone home sick, and the queue's out the door.
What are you clocking and doing in that moment to keep the cafe feeling good (for both guests & team) and make sure we don't haemorrhage money?

Experience:

Management: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person