Job title:
Hospitality Venue & Café Manager
Job Description
About the Role:
The Hospitality Venue Manager is responsible for overseeing the successful operation of Head Room Café, a unique social enterprise that combines hospitality with community engagement and mental health support. This role involves leading a team, ensuring excellent customer service, maintaining high operational standards, and supporting the integration of the café’s services with the wider community initiatives. The manager will also be responsible for venue hire and event management, creating a welcoming space for both customers and community programmes.
Job Purpose
1. The Hospitality Venue Manager is responsible for the overall management and performance of the café and management of events.
2. Deliver and maintain the highest standards of customer service, working efficiently and managing the team leading by example
3. Develop, control and review all operational procedures
4. Review and monitor customer service feedback
5. Create an environment through which the community programme can be delivered
Operational Management
6. Oversee all day-to-day operations of the café, ensuring a high standard of service and hospitality.
7. Develop, implement, and review operational procedures to optimise efficiency and service quality.
8. Maintain hygiene, safety, and Kashrut standards, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
9. Monitor financial performance, controlling costs and managing budgets in collaboration with the finance team.
10. Work closely with the procurement team to manage supplier relationships, negotiate costs, and monitor stock levels.
11. Ensure the upkeep of all kitchen and café equipment, organising repairs and maintenance as needed.
Team Leadership & Staff Management
12. Recruit, train, and develop café staff and volunteers, fostering a supportive and motivated team environment.
13. Manage staff rotas, holiday cover, and always ensure adequate staffing levels.
14. Conduct performance reviews, provide coaching, and manage staff morale effectively.
15. Organise regular staff meetings, sharing key updates, targets, and providing an open forum for discussion.
Customer Service & Community Engagement
16. Ensure a warm and inclusive atmosphere for all customers, service users, and community members.
17. Monitor and respond to customer feedback, implementing improvements where necessary.
18. Work closely with the community team to support the delivery of programmes within the café.
19. Ensure that individuals requiring mental health support are appropriately signposted.
Event & Venue Hire Management
20. Manage venue hire for private events, coordinating catering,logistics and staffing.
21. Work with business colleagues to provide quotations for private events.
22. Ensure event setups, staff scheduling, and service execution meet high standards.
23. Work with the marketing team to promote events, menu changes, and café initiatives.
Business Planning & Development
24. Plan and execute seasonal menus and promotions in partnership with the chef and marketing team.
25. Monitor and analyse financial performance, ensuring cost-effective operations.
26. Work with finance and payroll teams to manage salaries, licensing, and compliance requirements.
You may be required to work additional hours, as necessitated by the needs of the business. Additional hours may include evenings to cover events.
Requirements
Candidates/post holders will be expected to demonstrate the following:
Essential (E)/
Desirable (D)
Education
City of Guilds Hospitality and Catering – Level 3 or equivalent
E
Appropriate supervisory experience and relevant qualifications pertaining to the safe delivery of Food & Hygiene or Catering Services. NVQ Level 2 or 3
E
Certification in food safety, first aid, and mental health first aid (or willingness to obtain).
E
Experience
Experience in hospitality management, including operational and team leadership.
E
Experience in event management and coordinating venue hire services
E
Experience of working to deadlines and adhering to budgetary requirements.
E
Experience working within a social enterprise, community-focused, or not-for-profit organisation.
D
Knowledge
Awareness of fire procedure
E
Knowledge of Health & Safety practices
E
Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene regulations, and health and safety compliance.
E
Some knowledge of COSHH
E
Understanding of Kosher food preparation and Kashrut compliance.
E
Knowledge of mental health support frameworks and safeguarding procedures.
D
Skills & Abilities
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a passion for delivering exceptional customer service.
Good literacy, verbal, and numeracy skills
E
Proven ability to manage budgets, stock control, and financial planning.
E
Ability to take on responsibility and cope with repeated sustained pressure
E
Ability to work collaboratively with community teams, ensuring seamless integration of café services and programmes.
E
Ability to work as part of a team or independently without direct supervision
E
Strong problem-solving skills, ability to work independently and take initiative.
E
Ability to work well under pressure and be flexible
E
Personal Attributes
Positive ‘can do’ attitude
E
Willingness to assist in all aspects of service and carry out any reasonable requests relating to your job role
E
Committed to gaining further knowledge and experience
E
Commitment to working and delivering a high quality, flexible and responsive service
E
Can take responsibility for own development and willing to attend appropriate training
E
Please feel free to reach out to me on for further conversation or email me on
ADM