Cafe Manager jobs in Eltham

The Role

We are looking for an experienced and passionate General Manager to lead Gambado Forest Hill from the ground up.

This is a rare opportunity. You will be involved in the pre-opening phase, helping to build and train a team of around 40 staff, before launching the venue and leading it into its future. You will have the chance to shape the culture and day-to-day operation of a one-of-a-kind venue from day one.

Before the venue opens, you will have the opportunity to spend time at our existing Gambado site to learn how the business works and prepare for the role ahead.

About Gambado Forest Hill

Gambado is coming back to Lewisham, and this time we are doing something truly special.

Gambado Forest Hill will be housed in the former Capitol Building in Forest Hill, a stunning art deco theatre that is being transformed into one of the most exciting family entertainment venues in the UK. There is genuinely nothing else like it anywhere in the UK.

The venue will feature a large soft play area, dedicated under-3s zones, sensory rooms, climbing walls, five birthday party rooms, a cafe, and much more. It is going to be a destination venue for families across South East London and beyond.

Gambado has been operating for over 20 years and has a loyal following in this part of London. The community has been asking for Gambado to return to the area for a long time. We’ve already had over a thousand people get in touch asking about when we open.

Gambado Forest Hill is part of the Happiness Corp, a growing network of family entertainment venues. Joining us now means joining a business that is going places. The role includes a self-contained two bedroom flat accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Leading and managing a team of around 20 staff, including duty managers
• Overseeing the day-to-day operation of the venue including soft play, party bookings, the cafe, and all activities
• Recruiting, training, and developing your team
• Ensuring the venue is always safe, clean, and well-maintained
• Managing costs and working to hit revenue targets
• Overseeing customer-facing operations and handling complaints professionally
• Ensuring full health and safety compliance at all times
• Working with head office teams covering marketing and finance
• Overseeing reception and front-of-house operations

What We Are Looking For

• Proven general management experience in the leisure, hospitality, or entertainment industry
• Someone who thrives in a busy, dynamic, and customer-facing environment
• Strong people management skills with the ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team
• Good commercial awareness and experience managing costs and revenue
• Hands-on attitude with the ability to work on the floor as well as manage from the office
• Excellent communication skills and confidence dealing with customers, including handling complaints
• A genuine passion for delivering great experiences for families and children
• Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-moving environment

Relevant qualifications in first aid, food hygiene, or management are beneficial but not essential. A DBS check will be required for this role.

What We Offer

• Salary of £40,000 to £50,000 per year, depending on experience
• Pension scheme
• Free lunches
• The chance to open and lead a truly unique venue from day one
• Real opportunities for career development within the Happiness Corp network
• The support of an experienced head office team
• 2 bedroom flat accommodation

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £35,000.00-£45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking

Application question(s):

• What previous experience do you have managing leisure or entertainment venues?

Work Location: In person