Cafe Manager jobs in Chichester

Deputy Café Manager

15-Month Fixed-Term Maternity Cover

Location: West Wittering Estate

Reporting to: Café Manager

Join Our Team at West Wittering Estate

West Wittering Estate is seeking an enthusiastic, experienced and customer-focused Deputy Café Manager to support the successful operation of our busy Café, Shop, Kiosk and Takeaway facilities. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with strong leadership skills and a passion for hospitality to join our management team on a 15-month fixed-term maternity cover contract.

As Deputy Café Manager, you will work closely with the Café Manager to lead and develop a large seasonal team, ensure exceptional customer experiences, and maintain high operational, food safety and service standards. You will also take responsibility for the operation during periods when the Café Manager is absent.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

· Support the Café Manager in leading, motivating and developing a large seasonal team.

· Deliver clear communication, regular briefings and effective delegation of duties.

· Assist with recruitment, induction, training and ongoing staff development.

· Foster a positive, supportive and professional team culture.

· Lead by example and maintain high standards of appearance, conduct and customer service.

Operational Management

· Support the smooth day-to-day operation of the Café, Shop, Kiosk and Takeaway facilities.

· Assume operational responsibility in the absence of the Café Manager.

· Ensure all service areas are clean, organised, fully stocked and ready for trading.

· Assist with ordering, stock control, stock takes and inventory management.

· Ensure food products are stored, labelled and rotated correctly in accordance with food hygiene regulations.

Customer Service

· Deliver and promote outstanding customer service.

· Handle customer enquiries, complaints and feedback professionally and effectively.

· Support the team through busy trading periods while maintaining excellent service standards.

Financial & Administrative Duties

· Assist with till management, cash handling and reconciliation procedures.

· Support payroll administration and staffing records as required.

· Monitor stock usage, minimise waste and contribute to operational efficiency.

Compliance & Health & Safety

· Ensure compliance with food safety, health and safety legislation and company procedures.

· Maintain accurate records relating to food safety, cleaning schedules and statutory requirements.

· Promote safe working practices and report accidents, hazards or equipment defects promptly.

· Maintain knowledge of HACCP procedures, food hygiene requirements and PPE standards.

Security & Site Responsibilities

· Undertake opening and closing procedures.

· Ensure all facilities and storage areas are secure at the end of trading.

· Operate alarms and security systems as required.

· Maintain effective communication with estate management and colleagues throughout the day.

What we are looking for

Essential Requirements

· Previous supervisory or management experience within hospitality, catering, retail or a similar customer-facing environment.

· Strong leadership and communication skills.

· Excellent customer service skills.

· Strong organisational and time-management abilities.

· Ability to remain calm and effective in a busy, fast-paced environment.

· Good understanding of food safety and health & safety requirements.

· Competent IT skills.

Desirable

· Food Hygiene qualification.

· Experience of stock management and ordering.

· Experience of training and developing team members.

· Experience using EPOS, POS or similar systems.

Additional Information

Fixed-term maternity cover contract for approximately 15 months.

Regular weekend, bank holiday and peak season working will be required as part of the management team.

Flexibility to undertake additional duties as reasonably required to support the successful operation of the business.

If you are a proactive and motivated hospitality professional looking for your next leadership opportunity, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us deliver an exceptional visitor experience at West Wittering Estate.

Work Location: In person