Cafe jobs in Chatham

Café Manager

Location: Rochester, Kent
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

About the Opportunity

Our client is a stylish and vibrant café and dining destination located in the heart of Rochester. Offering relaxed all-day dining in a welcoming and contemporary setting, the business has built a strong reputation for exceptional customer service, high-quality food and drink, and memorable guest experiences.

As part of their continued growth, they are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Café Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of the venue and inspire a high-performing team.

The Role

This is a hands-on management position suited to a hospitality professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering outstanding customer experiences. You will be responsible for overseeing daily operations, managing and developing the team, maintaining operational standards, and driving commercial performance.

The successful candidate will be a natural leader with strong organisational skills, a positive attitude and a genuine passion for hospitality.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operation of the café, ensuring smooth and efficient service.
• Lead, motivate and develop the team to deliver exceptional customer experiences.
• Recruit, train and support staff, fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Prepare and manage staff rotas in line with business needs.
• Monitor service standards, food quality and venue presentation.
• Manage stock control, ordering and supplier relationships.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health and safety, and licensing regulations.
• Handle customer feedback and resolve issues professionally.
• Monitor sales performance, labour costs and operational expenditure.
• Support the delivery of promotional activities, events and community engagement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and profitability.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Previous management experience within a café, restaurant, hospitality or similar customer-facing environment.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Proven track record of delivering outstanding customer service.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and effectively manage competing priorities.

Desirable

• Experience within an all-day dining or brunch-led operation.
• Knowledge of stock management, budgeting and labour control.
• Personal Licence Holder qualification or willingness to obtain one.
• Experience supporting local marketing or promotional initiatives.

Personal Attributes

• Positive, energetic and professional approach.
• Passionate about hospitality and guest satisfaction.
• Commercially minded with strong attention to detail.
• Confident decision-maker with a proactive attitude.
• Adaptable, reliable and capable of leading by example.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary package.
• Career development and progression opportunities.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• The opportunity to join a well-established and growing hospitality business.
• Staff benefits and employee incentives.

For further information or to apply, please submit your CV. All applications will be handled in strict confidence.

Work Location: In person