Cafe Manager jobs in Chichester

Edge Tea & Coffee
West Sussex, primarily across Arundel and Chichester
Full time
Salary: £40,000 to £45,000 per year, depending on experience

Edge Tea & Coffee is an independent, family owned tea and coffee business with more than 45 years of history in West Sussex.

We roast our coffee on site, supply customers across the UK through wholesale and online channels, and operate a growing group of retail and hospitality locations across Arundel and Chichester.

We are now looking for an experienced, commercially minded Operations Manager to help lead the next stage of the business.

This is a broad and influential role with responsibility across our cafés, retail operations and wider business. You will work closely with the Managing Director, take ownership of operational performance and help turn plans into consistent results.

This is not a purely office based position. We are looking for someone who is comfortable moving between strategic planning, financial performance, team development and hands on operational support.

The role

You will be responsible for helping ensure that our sites operate efficiently, deliver excellent customer experiences and achieve their financial targets.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Taking ownership of operational performance across multiple locations
• Working with site managers to improve sales, gross profit, labour performance and overall profitability
• Reviewing budgets, management information and departmental profit and loss performance
• Identifying opportunities to increase revenue, improve efficiency and control costs
• Supporting managers with rotas, recruitment, training, performance and team development
• Building clear operating standards and ensuring they are followed consistently
• Supporting the development and delivery of new products, promotions, events and customer experiences
• Working closely with the marketing team to ensure campaigns are delivered effectively at site level
• Helping improve systems, processes and communication across the business
• Supporting the Managing Director with wider operational projects and business priorities
• Deputising for the Managing Director when required
• Providing visible leadership across the business and stepping in to support teams during busy periods when needed

About you

We are looking for an experienced operator who understands both people and numbers.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience in a senior operations, area management, general management or multi site leadership role
• Strong commercial awareness and experience managing budgets or profit and loss performance
• Experience within hospitality, retail, food and beverage or another customer focused business
• A practical understanding of labour management, gross profit, cost control and operational efficiency
• The confidence to coach and challenge managers while maintaining positive working relationships
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage several priorities at once
• A proactive approach, with the ability to identify problems and take ownership of solutions
• High standards and a genuine commitment to customer experience
• The ability to move comfortably between strategic work and hands on operational support

You do not need to be a coffee expert. A genuine interest in independent hospitality, great products and building successful teams is far more important. Full coffee and product training will be provided.

Working pattern

This is a full time role operating across our West Sussex locations.

The role will primarily be worked during daytime business hours, although flexibility will be required. During the initial period, this will include regular visibility during weekends, events and selected evenings to fully understand the business and support our teams.

As the role develops, the working pattern will become more focused on leadership, performance and operational planning.

Due to the multi site nature of the position, a full driving licence and access to reliable transport are required.

We are aiming for the successful candidate to begin the role in September 2026, although we are willing to be flexible for the right person.

What we offer

• Salary of £40,000 to £45,000, depending on experience
• A senior role with genuine influence across a growing independent business
• The opportunity to shape systems, teams and the future direction of our operations
• A dedicated annual budget to support your own professional development
• Full training across our coffee, tea and wider product range
• Free tea and coffee while working
• Staff discounts across Edge Tea & Coffee
• Opportunities to attend supplier visits, training sessions and industry events
• A supportive, ambitious and independently owned working environment

About Edge

We believe exceptional tea and coffee should be part of everyday life.

Our business combines more than four decades of experience with an ambitious approach to growth, hospitality and customer experience. We are proud to roast locally, support our communities and create welcoming spaces where both our teams and customers feel valued.

We have made significant changes across the business and are entering an exciting stage of growth. This role will be central to helping us build strong foundations, improve performance and deliver our plans consistently.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV together with a covering letter explaining why you are interested in the role, what you believe you could bring to Edge Tea & Coffee and why your experience makes you a strong fit for the position.

Applications submitted without a covering letter will not be considered.

Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Application question(s):

• Have you held direct responsibility for budgets, labour costs and profit and loss performance?
• Are you able to work primarily from our Ford Lane site near Arundel and across our other locations, including occasional evenings and weekends where operationally required?

Experience:

• Multi-Site management: 1 year (required)

Work Location: In person