Overview
Role: Hospitality & Event Manager (Food & Beverage delivery)
Minimum Hours: 24 hrs/week – up to max 30; 9:30-15:30 Wed, Fri, Sat, + Thu or Sun on rota
Location: 19 Front Street, West Auckland Village Green, County Durham, DL14 9HW
Reporting to: Directors
Pay Rate: £13.50 / hour plus discretionary bonus arrangements, based on agreed performance targets.
Holidays: 28 days holidays including Bank Holidays (pro rata)
Purpose of the Role
Are you ready to lead something special — not just a café, but a place that nourishes connection, purpose and community?
At Oakleaf Community Projects CIC, we’re on a mission to reduce rural isolation, promote wellbeing and champion sustainable enterprise. At the heart of our work is a vibrant community café — and we’re looking for a warm, creative and capable manager to take food and beverage to the next level.
This is no ordinary manager’s role. This is your mission:
* Design a food and drink offer rooted in comfort, connection and community.
* Build and inspire a team to deliver delicious dailies, brunches, afternoon teas and events.
* Play a central role in developing Oakleaf’s reputation as the place to gather, eat and belong in West Auckland.
* Align the café service with our gift shop, the “Made by Oakleaf” crafting hub and our volunteer programme — where everything has a story and everyone is welcome.
When the café re-opens in Autumn after the kitchen refurb, we will open Weds - Sunday, with a hybrid working rota that services c40-cover capacity. We aim to host 2 evening community events a week and implement a Just Eat delivery service. As our reputation builds and local demand grows, we will grow the team and extend opening days.
So, whether you’re plating quiche for a dementia-friendly brunch, welcoming guests to a Saturday supper club, or training volunteers in Food Safety, you’ll be delivering more than meals — you’ll be building memories, confidence and community.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage day-to-day café operations, stock and supplier arrangements and weekly takings
* Coordinate staff and volunteer rotas across daytime and evening sessions
* Ensure compliance with hygiene, allergen and licensing requirements
* Plan and deliver seasonal hospitality and occasional evening events; lead set-up, service and close-down
* Collaborate with Crafting Hub and Marketing Lead on café-based promotions
What you’ll bring
* Passion for people, hospitality and purposeful work; creativity to shape an evolving food offer that’s as welcoming as it is sustainable; plan and lead seasonal brunches, teas, events
* Experience running a café or events service with heart and hustle
* Experience of budgeting and reporting to senior management; full P&L responsibility for stock rotation and weekly takings
* Expert knowledge of food hygiene and allergen controls (Level 3 Food Hygiene NVQ); maintain food hygiene and allergen records
* Strong sense of quality, safety and team leadership; great organisation skills, team rota coordination and planning skills (including volunteers)
* Willingness to work 2 evenings as part of a planned rota
* Work closely with the Enterprise and Marketing Lead to align promotions
* A belief in what we do — and a desire to contribute to something bigger
What we offer
* A truly rewarding role with space to shape and grow
* A supportive, purpose-driven team of Directors and welcoming community
* Flexibility around your other commitments
* Opportunities for progression as our CIC grows
Important information
This is a permanent employed role, subject to a 3-month probationary period.
This role is subject to a Basic or Enhanced DBS check, in line with our Safeguarding Policy.
We will process your application in accordance with our GDPR-compliant privacy policy (available on request).
If you are selected for interview, we will ask you to complete an Oakleaf Employment Application form. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief. Oakleaf is committed to being an inclusive employer.
Please let us know if you require any adjustments to the application process or working arrangements.
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