Cafe Manager jobs in Brighton and Hove

General Manager - Brighton

Vagabond Wines is growing faster than your mate's beard during lockdown, and we're opening some brand-new sites. That means we're on the hunt for passionate, driven leaders to join our rebellion and help us take over the universe! (Okay, maybe just the London wine scene for now, but next...THE UNIVERSE!!)

Who Are We? We're Vagabond. We do things differently. No wine snobbery. No food flabbergastery. Just lots of people-level-uppery. We’re an award-winning, high-fiving, people-loving, training-leading, tech-embracing wine bar with a buzzing atmosphere where our teams shine brighter than a leprechauns butt cheeks.

We offer over 100 delicious wines by the glass, ready for tasting and exploring through our futuristic wine dispensers. Pair that with our seasonal sharing menu and our very own, very cool, urban winery (where we make English wines that’ll knock your nans wig off), and you've got the perfect place to work and play.

The Role: General Manager: The General Manager is the backbone of each of our venues and should be a golden compass to their team, dishing out a sufficient amount of energy boost and motivation. They are accountable for the strategic and operational development and general amazingness of their business. Under the guidance of the Operations Director, they will oversee the revenue, service, recruitment and general strategies to ensure the business is run in an efficient and profitable way. They will also be responsible for creating the best possible scenario for the Kitchen Cru's dance moves.

No Sommelier? No Stress! All levels of wine knowledge are welcome. If your expertise stops at "I know I like red," that's cool with us. We offer awesome training to turn you into a wine wizard.

What we can offer you:

• £950 to spend on your mental and physical wellbeing every year
• A benefits package, including half-price cinema tickets, discounted holidays, shopping and gym memberships
• Free meals on every shift
• Competitive rates of pay
• Training and development out your ears
• 50% discount on everything in every Vagabond and 20% on Majestic Wine
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Flexible working hours
• Opportunity to grow and progress your career
• Referral fee
• Wine trips abroad
• Long Service Awards
• Birthday Present
• Volunteer Day Off
• Partayyyyyyyyys!

Are you fizzy as a Riesling? We are looking for someone:

• Feedback Fan (Yes, Really): Got notes? No problem. You take constructive feedback on the chin (with a smile) and use it to level up, every time.
• Pride Player: You take pride in the details—from a perfectly clean venue to the extra sparkle in your service. Nothing gets phoned in when you're on shift.
• Forever Learner, Forever Leader: You’re always looking for ways to grow—personally, professionally, and as a team. And you inspire others to do the same.
• Idea Alchemist: You listen, you contribute, and you're not afraid to ask, “But what if we did it this way instead?” Big brain energy, always welcome.
• Tough Talks, Handled Softly: Difficult conversation? You won’t shy away. You handle the hard stuff with empathy, clarity, and confidence.
• Endurance Icon: You’ve got the stamina to run a floor, host an event, charm the crowd, and still have energy for a celebratory glass after.
• Wheels at the Ready: You're happy to travel around the UK if needed—because wine doesn’t stay in one place, and neither do you.

A little about the Role:

• Chief Vino Visionary (A.K.A. Master of the Vagabond Experience): You don’t just guide guests—you take them on a full-on wine adventure. With your grape-fuelled wisdom and passion for people, you make sure every visit is legendary.
• The Money Maestro: Budgets? Nailed. Targets? Smashed. Growth strategy? Always brewing. You're steering the financial ship and plotting the course to glorious (and profitable) horizons.
• Event Commander-in-Chief: Big bash? No problem. You plan and execute events that are smoother than a well-aged Burgundy. From logistics to last-minute surprises, you keep the show running without spilling a drop.
• People Powerhouse (Recruiter, Coach, Cheerleader): You spot talent like a sommelier spots cork taint. From first interview to long-term growth, you’re building a dream team and leading them like a boss (because you are one).
• Store Sorcerer: You keep the day-to-day ticking like a Swiss watch. Ops, service, vibe—flawless. If something’s off, you’re already fixing it before anyone notices.
• Stock Commander (Lord of the Ledger): Order it, track it, reconcile it. You know where every bottle is, where it’s going, and how to make every drop count toward that sweet GP.
• Reputation Builder & Local Legend: You’re out there building bridges, shaking hands, clinking glasses, and putting Vagabond on the map (and the lips) of everyone in town.
• Team Captain (Morale, Mastery, and Motivation): Whether it’s guiding, supporting, or just delivering a top-tier pep talk, your team thrives because you’ve got their back—and they know it.

Love what we do at Vagabond? Ready to take the next step in your career? Let’s build something great together! Apply now...RIGHT NOW!!

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £42,000.00-£50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Gym membership
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Referral programme
• Sick pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Withdean BN1 1AH: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

• Hospitality: 8 years (required)
• Hospitality management: 5 years (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person