Assistant Café & Hospitality Manager

Job description

About

Role Purpose

We are looking for an enthusiastic, organised and motivated Assistant Café & Hospitality Manager to join the team at The Fern.

Working closely with the Fern Manager, you will play a key role in the day-to-day running of The Fern, helping to ensure the smooth operation of the café and supporting the wider hospitality and events business.

This is a hands-on management position, combining team leadership, customer service, operational management and commercial awareness. You will lead by example, working alongside the front-of-house team to deliver an excellent customer experience while maintaining high standards throughout the premises.

You will also play an important role in supporting the commercial success of The Fern café and our Deeside private function room, ensuring that the facilities, team and service are always ready to meet the needs of our customers and visitors.

Key Responsibilities

1. Daily Operations & Team Leadership

• Assist the Fern Manager with the day-to-day running of The Fern, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.

• Supervise, lead and motivate the front-of-house team, creating a positive and professional working environment.

• Assist with preparing and managing staff rotas to ensure appropriate staffing levels during normal trading, busy periods and events.

• Work alongside the team during service, leading by example and providing support where needed.

• Ensure staff understand their roles and responsibilities and maintain expected service standards.

• Work closely with the Head Chef to ensure effective communication and coordination between front of house and the kitchen.

• Assist with staff training, induction and ongoing development.

2. Customer Experience & Service Standards

• Ensure all customers receive a warm welcome and consistently high standards of service.

• Maintain a visible and approachable presence within the café.

• Oversee front-of-house service, particularly during busy periods and events.

• Deal with customer enquiries, feedback and complaints professionally and efficiently.

• Ensure the café, customer areas and facilities are always clean, welcoming and well-presented.

• Identify opportunities to improve the customer experience and encourage repeat business.

3. Stock Control & Commercial Performance

• Monitor stock levels and ensure all necessary food, beverage and operational supplies are available.

• Carry out regular stock takes and assist with ordering and stock replenishment.

• Monitor wastage and help maintain effective stock control procedures.

• Support the Fern Manager in monitoring sales, costs and overall business performance.

• Encourage additional sales and identify opportunities to increase café revenue.

• Help ensure the café and function room operate efficiently and commercially.

• Assist with maintaining accurate records relating to stock, orders and operational costs.

4. Facilities, Maintenance & Security

• Take responsibility for maintaining high standards of cleanliness and presentation throughout The Fern.

• Ensure the café, Deeside function room, toilets and surrounding customer areas are clean, tidy and fully stocked.

• Oversee daily opening and closing procedures, including securing the premises at the end of the day.

• Report maintenance issues and ensure any problems are brought to the attention of the Fern Manager.

• Ensure relevant Health & Safety and Food Hygiene procedures are followed.

• Maintain a safe, clean and welcoming environment for customers, visitors and staff.

5. Events & Function Support

• Work closely with the Fern Manager and Events Manager to support the operational delivery of private functions and events.

• Assist with preparing the Deeside function room and associated facilities ahead of bookings.

• Ensure appropriate staffing, stock and service arrangements are in place for events.

• Support the front-of-house team during functions, shows and busy event periods.

• Help ensure events are delivered professionally and provide a positive experience for customers.

• Identify opportunities to promote the café and function facilities to increase bookings and revenue.

Key Requirements

• Previous experience in a supervisory or assistant management role within the hospitality, café or restaurant sector.

• Experience of leading, supporting or supervising a team.

• Strong understanding of customer service and front-of-house operations.

• Good working knowledge of UK Health & Safety and Food Hygiene regulations.

• Level 2 or 3 Food Hygiene certification would be advantageous.

• Experience of stock control, ordering and stock takes.

• Good commercial awareness and an understanding of sales, costs and waste management.

• Excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving skills.

• A positive, proactive and flexible approach, with the ability to work under pressure.

• Comfortable taking responsibility and making day-to-day operational decisions.

• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including weekends and evenings when required by business and event demands.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who:

• Is approachable, friendly and confident when dealing with customers and colleagues.

• Has a genuine passion for hospitality and delivering excellent service.

• Is organised, reliable and takes pride in their work.

• Can motivate and lead a team while remaining hands-on.

• Takes initiative and looks for ways to improve how the business operates.

• Understands the importance of maintaining high standards and working together as a team.

Reporting & Working Relationships

The Assistant Café & Hospitality Manager will report directly to the Fern Manager and work closely with the Head Chef and Events Manager.

The role will involve taking ownership of agreed day-to-day operational responsibilities, keeping the Fern Manager informed of operational matters and escalating significant staffing, financial, customer or facilities issues as appropriate.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced hospitality professional looking for an opportunity to take on a varied, hands-on management role within a growing hospitality and events business, we would love to hear from you.