Cafe Manager / Lead Baker

Job Description

"Not just a job, but a chance to build something special in one of the most popular villages in the northern Lake District."

Looking for an opportunity to make a real difference in a thriving community café? As a community interest business nestled beneath Blencathra, our client exists to benefit the local community while providing outstanding food, baking and a warm welcome to locals and visitors alike. They are searching for a Café Manager and Lead Baker who wants the freedom to be creative, lead a talented team and help shape the future of one of the northern Lake District's most loved cafés.

With a loyal local following and a steady stream of walkers, cyclists and visitors from across the UK and beyond, no two days are the same. Following significant investment in the kitchen and bakery facilities, this is an exciting opportunity to build on an already successful business and help take it to the next level.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day to day operation of the café, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere and excellent customer service.
• Manage, motivate and develop a small, friendly team, creating a positive and supportive working environment.
• Build strong relationships with local customers, visitors and community groups, helping to maintain the café's excellent reputation.
• Lead the production of high quality baked goods, cakes and savoury items.
• Innovate and develop new bakery products, seasonal specials and menu ideas to drive sales and customer satisfaction.
• Monitor sales, costs and performance, identifying opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Manage stock ordering, supplier relationships and stock control to minimise waste and maximise profitability.
• Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and cleanliness, including maintaining our 5 star food hygiene rating.
• Take a lead role in developing the café's social media presence and local marketing activity, creating engaging content and campaigns that strengthen reputation, grow customer numbers and promote new products and events.
• Monitor customer feedback and address any issues promptly to ensure excellent service delivery.
• Work closely with the board of volunteer directors to deliver the long term vision for the business.

Requirements

• A genuine passion for great food, excellent coffee and high standards.
• Strong baking and food preparation skills, including developing menus.
• Experience supervising or leading a team in a café, bakery or similar setting, with a hands on approach and the ability to lead by example.
• Excellent people skills, building positive relationships with your team and your customers.
• Good knowledge of food hygiene and health and safety requirements.
• Strong organisational skills, a proactive attitude and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Confidence in taking ownership, implementing procedures and driving continuous improvement.
• Permanent contract with a salary of £34,000-£38,500 depending on skills, experience and qualifications.
• Performance related bonus.
• 28 days annual leave per annum, pro rata for part time employees.
• Full time hours are preferred, although part time, job share and flexible working arrangements will be considered for the right candidate.
• The role will include weekend, bank holiday and peak seasonal working, with flexibility agreed in advance.

This is a rare opportunity to make a real difference to a much loved community business. If that excites you, we'd love to hear from you.