Assistant Manager

About the Role

The role is responsible for the day-to-day operational performance of the café, ensuring exceptional food quality, outstanding customer service and full compliance with food safety and brand standards. It works closely with the District Manager and Virgin Active club management to lead the team in delivering a consistently outstanding experience. The postholder drives operational efficiency and commercial success while supporting a seamless member experience across the wider club.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the café, ensuring exceptional customer service, food quality, operational excellence and full compliance with Kauai brand standards.
• Recruit, coach and develop a high-performing team, creating a positive culture built on accountability, collaboration and continuous development.
• Manage rotas, payroll, recruitment, onboarding and performance, ensuring the café is appropriately staffed to meet operational demands.
• Drive commercial performance through effective labour planning, stock control, waste management and cost-conscious decision making.
• Oversee ordering, deliveries, inventory management and supplier relationships, ensuring stock availability and efficient operations.
• Champion food safety, allergen management, hygiene and compliance, ensuring all legal requirements and company procedures are consistently maintained.
• Deliver exceptional customer experiences by handling escalated queries professionally and using customer feedback to continually improve service standards.
• Maintain excellent presentation standards across all customer and back-of-house areas, ensuring the café is always clean, organised and welcoming.
• Work collaboratively with Virgin Active club management to support a seamless member experience across the wider club.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Food Safety Level 3 qualification.
• Food Allergy and Intolerance training.
• Previous experience in a food service, hospitality or retail management role.
• Experience leading, coaching and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong operational and commercial awareness, with experience managing labour, stock, budgets and operational performance.
• Excellent communication, organisational and problem solving skills.
• Good understanding of food safety, hygiene, allergen compliance and operational controls.
• Confident using operational systems, reporting tools and Microsoft Office.
• Flexible approach to working hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

Workplace

• Full time, 40 hours.

Salary

• £16.60-£16.60 GBP

Benefits & Perks

• The opportunity to be part of a brand redefining the future of wellness.
• A premium environment with industry leading facilities.
• Development and progression opportunities aligned to your level.
• Access to a vibrant, engaged member community.
• The platform to build your career, reputation and impact.
• 30 days annual leave.
• Pension fund.
• 50% discount on Kauai meals while on duty.
• Complimentary Virgin Active membership for yourself.

About the Company

Kauai is committed to recruiting the finest people who share our passion for creating exceptional experiences and delivering world class service every day. As the company evolves into Social Wellness Clubs, it is creating spaces and experiences that support every aspect of members' physical, mental, nutritional and social wellbeing. By bringing together expert guidance, genuine community, personalised experiences and innovative technology, it makes wellness feel accessible, welcoming and easy to navigate.