Job Description

About Us:

At

It Takes A Village,

our vision is simple: to provide a vibrant, stylish space where families can gather, enjoy themselves, and foster connections. Our mission is to continually evolve, providing even more opportunities for people to come together, while building a sustainable business that benefits our families, local communities and offers an exceptional experience for all.


Our Play Cafe is a unique offering, blending a specialty coffee shop, children's play sessions, parties, a curated gift shop, and a range of enriching classes and workshops - all under one roof. We're entering an exciting phase of growth, and we're looking for an outstanding

Play Cafe Manager

to lead our E17 location as we transition from start-up to sustainability.


This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll oversee the cafe's daily operations, manage a growing team of Baristas and Front-of-House/Party Hosts, and report directly to the Co-Founders. As Play Cafe Manager, you'll be a key ambassador for the brand and help elevate our reputation as the best play cafe in East London.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing team, ensuring exceptional service and operational standards. Lead by example, fostering a positive, inclusive work environment with systems and processes that enhance team collaboration and morale Cultivate a team culture that places customers at the centre of everything we do; serving excellent coffee, creating fun moments, and ensuring unforgettable experiences for all Manage rota's, holiday planning, and staffing levels, ensuring seamless service delivery and adequate coverage Serve as the primary point of contact for Co-Founders, providing regular operational updates and insight

Operations & Compliance

Oversee daily operations, including opening and closing procedures, ensuring smooth functioning across all areas (cafe, play space, and customer service) Manage stock levels, ordering, and supplier relationships, while maintaining a focus on minimising waste and maximising efficiency Maintain high standards of coffee quality, food preparation, and customer service in partnership with the Barista and FOH team Ensure the cafe and play area equipment are well-maintained, cleaned, and serviced regularly. Ensure strict adherence to health & safety, allergen management, and hygiene protocols

Customer Experience

Handle customer feedback with professionalism, empathy, and attention to detail, resolving complaints quickly and mindfully Collaborate with Party Hosts to ensure guests have a memorable experience during private events and celebrations Support the growth of our events and workshops programme, seeking out opportunities for new offerings or improvements Deliver exceptional service, creating a welcoming, fun, and positive atmosphere for families and children Represent It Takes A Village to customers and stakeholders with a deep understanding of our values and mission

Financial Management & Reporting

Monitor daily sales, margins, and labour costs to ensure the cafe remains profitable and efficient Manage staffing and operational costs within agreed budgets Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide regular reports to the Co-Founders, offering insights and recommendations for growth Identify opportunities to drive sales, reduce waste, and improve overall operational efficiency

What We're Looking For:

A minimum of 2 years of experience in a coffee shop or cafe setting At least 1 year of managerial or Head Barista experience in a cafe or coffee shop setting Strong leadership, people management, and team development skills Exceptional organisational abilities, with a knack for multitasking and problem-solving A passion for hospitality and delivering outstanding customer experiences A deep understanding of health, safety, and hygiene regulations
Reliable, conscientious, and able to balance hands-on work with management responsibilities You may need to cover or troubleshoot at short notice so ability to travel to the cafe easily is crucial This role requires weekend work and availability in busy periods such as school holidays, bank holidays and Christmas.

What We Offer:

A supportive, founder-led business with opportunities for career development and growth. Competitive salary. Pension plan via NEST. Staff discounts on food, drinks, and play sessions.

Please Note:

You must already be eligible to work in the UK; we are unable to provide visa sponsorship.



How to apply: Click on the Apply Now button to apply through Zapid Hire.