Job Description

About Us

"The real key to transforming education is not to standardize it, but to customize it to the needs of each child."

At Pathways, we believe that the best education isn't confined to desks or exam halls -- it's lived, hands-on, and deeply human. We don't see alternative education as a last resort. We see it as what all education should aspire to be: creative, learner-led, rooted in relationships, and rich with real-world meaning.

Our cafe is more than just a place to serve great coffee -- it's a training ground. We provide real-world experience and one-to-one mentoring for young people, particularly those who thrive in practical, supportive environments. Through hands-on learning, guided support, and meaningful connections, we help young people build confidence, develop essential life and employability skills, and move toward brighter, more purposeful futures.

The Role

As our Vocational Learning and Cafe Manager, you'll be at the heart of this vision -- running a vibrant cafe while mentoring and guiding young people as they grow in confidence, develop practical skills, and discover a sense of purpose through meaningful work.

As Vocational Learning and Cafe Manager, you'll play a key role in delivering our business-led alternative provision model. By leading the day-to-day operations of our cafe and mentoring young people within a real working environment, you'll support the development of essential employability skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Your guidance will help students build self-esteem, raise aspirations, and prepare for reintegration into school or transition into further training or employment. This role is about more than managing a cafe -- it's about creating a space where practical learning becomes a powerful bridge to brighter futures.

Key Responsibilities

Educational Leadership

Design, implement, and review a flexible curriculum tailored to individual student needs, aiming for young people to gain industry based, employability and vocational qualifications Deliver engaging sessions in areas such as personal development, life skills, and vocational training Lead on the tracking of student progress, achievement, and wellbeing Liaise with referring schools, parents/carers, and external agencies

Cafe Management

Oversee daily cafe operations, ensuring excellent customer service, hygiene, and safety standards Manage stock, ordering, and supplier relationships Supervise and support cafe staff and young people engaged in work placements Promote the cafe as a community hub and social enterprise

Project Management

Line manage a small team, including cafe staff, support workers, and volunteers Develop and oversee project plans, budgets, and funding requirements Maintain safeguarding, health & safety, and compliance standards Champion the vision and ethos of the Cafe as a youth-centred, inclusive space

Person Specification

Essential

Proven experience managing a team or small project (e.g., cafe, youth provision, education setting) Experience working or teaching with young people. Strong curriculum design and teaching/facilitation skills Excellent organisational, leadership, and communication skills Ability to work flexibly, creatively, and with resilience

Desirable

Teaching qualification (e.g. PGCE, Cert Ed, QTLS) or relevant assessor/tutor training or be willing to work towards these Experience in hospitality or social enterprise settings Knowledge of safeguarding, Special Educational Needs, and youth development frameworks First Aid, Food Hygiene, or Mental Health First Aid certifications

What We Offer

A dynamic, values-driven work environment The opportunity to make a lasting difference in young people's lives Professional development and training opportunities Supportive and collaborative team culture

How to Apply

Please complete the job application and send to george.pickersgill@pathways-education.org

If you'd like an informal chat before applying, please get in touch at 07792919234 or email george.pickersgill@pathways-education.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

On-site parking
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 11/08/2025
Expected start date: 01/09/2025