We are looking for an enthusiastic, confident and highly organised individual to utilise their catering experience and take on the role of Food and Beverage Manager for the café at the Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve. Newport Wetlands is a special area for wildlife, lying between the Severn estuary and the river Usk. It is one of the most important areas of wetland habitat in Wales, providing a haven for wildlife on the edge of the city and is a popular visitor attraction. The RSPB manage the visitor facilities which includes the café with lovely reserve views. What's the role about? As Food and Beverage Manager you will utilise your catering management or supervisory experience and be responsible for leading day-to-day management of the café. Working with team members, you will be providing a warm, welcoming atmosphere for our visitors to enjoy nature-friendly food and drink in an incredible setting. You will lead on performance of the café against targets, coach and inspire your team to generate income to support our important conservation work. Typical opening hours are between 10 am and 4 pm. The role will offer a flexible shift pattern of 5 days over 7 on a 9 to 5 basis, with regular weekend and bank holiday working. If you are already in a management or supervisory position within catering and looking for a role that is different, then this role could be the one for you. The Food and Beverage Manager will: • Ensure the café is delivering the highest standard of customer care. • Achieve financial targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to deliver against catering goals. • Ensure the café is commercially merchandised according to the agreed layout and stock levels are appropriate. • Ensure all catering administration, operating processes, security, food hygiene and health and safety adhere to RSPB procedures. • Ensure that all catering staff and volunteers are recruited trained and managed in accordance with RSPB guidelines and policy that results efficient team working. • Be responsible for the planning and efficient day to day running of the café. What we need from you Essential skills, knowledge and experience: • A positive outlook, can-do attitude and willing to develop new skills. • A genuine desire to deliver amazing experiences for our visitors. • A passion for good food and drink. • Supervisory or management experience in a coffee shop environment. • Computer literate. • Sound understanding of systems and procedures necessary to run a commercial catering operation. • Excellent verbal and written communications skills. • Problem solving skills and ability to work on own initiative. • Ability to manage and respond to customer needs and feedback. • Able to build and maintain strong working relationships. • Experience of managing and delivering targets and KPIs for a catering business. Desirable skills, knowledge and experience: • Experience of working at a visitor attraction. • Level 3 Food Safety. • Understanding of working EPOS systems. • GCSE Maths and English, or equivalent. Does this sound like you? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Additional Information This is a Permanent role for 37.5 hours per week. For any questions or an informal chat about the role, please get in touch with Lorraine Leicester, Site Manager: Lorraine.leicester@rspb.org.uk or Kirsty Lindsay, Visitor Experience Manager Kirsty.lindsay@rspb.org.uk To apply, you’ll need to upload your CV and complete a short application form, which includes a cover letter section. In your cover letter, don’t just tell us why you’re applying - show us how you meet the criteria. We recommend breaking down each requirement listed above and providing real examples from your previous experience. This is your chance to stand out - make it count! This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract. The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert. Please note that we are actively recruiting for this vacancy, and reserve the right to close once sufficient applications have been received. We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.