Cafe team manager - mat cover

Job Description

Cafe Team Manager

Location: Epsom

Contract Type: Mat cover 12 months

Salary: £31,030 - £40,885 per annum

Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.

About Waythrough

Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, weve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England.

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services and its all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job its a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.

About the role

Waythrough is looking for a Café Team Manager to lead the day-to-day running of the café based within The Old Moat Garden Centre. This is a hands-on management role combining café operations, team leadership, customer service, and wellbeing support.

The role also involves supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges who are participating in café activities through work placements and volunteering opportunities. You will help create a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment while ensuring the café operates efficiently and professionally.

What youll do

• Manage the daily operations of the café and lead a team of café supervisors and casual staff
• Develop, cost, and deliver café menus and special offers
• Oversee food ordering, stock control, and financial reconciliation
• Ensure high standards of food safety, hygiene, and customer care are maintained
• Support the wellbeing and development of individuals with mental health problems participating in café activities
• Help manage referrals, conduct needs assessments and inductions
• Train and support clients through structured work placements and volunteering programmes
• Build positive relationships with suppliers and assist with contract negotiations
• Maintain a welcoming, professional, and customer-focused café environment

What were looking for

• Proven experience managing a catering service, café, restaurant, or food retail contract catering operation
• Strong leadership and employee supervision experience
• Experience selling products or services and negotiating supplier contracts
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Strong organisational, motivational, and time management abilities
• Ability to remain calm, resilient, and professional under pressure
• A proactive approach with the ability to work independently and use initiative
• Commitment to delivering excellent customer service
• Advanced Food Hygiene qualification
• An interest in and commitment to supporting people with mental health problems would be advantageous

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, youll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:

• 27 days annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
• Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%
• Life assurance (3 annual salary)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay
• Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days annual leave
• Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications
• 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
• Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals
• £500 Recommend a Friend bonus
• Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
• Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good
• Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year

Inclusion and accessibility

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support.

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

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