The role purpose:
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Cafe Manager to lead our front-of-house team at Bishops Kitchen Cafe and occasionally oversee operations at our El Castillo. The successful candidate will ensure exceptional customer experiences, efficient operations, and strong team leadership in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in The Auckland Project, helping shape the guest experience and maintain the highest standards of service and professionalism.
This role requires availability on weekends, bank holidays and occasionally evenings.
A flexible attitude to supporting different areas of the business at short notice.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Management
· Oversee daily cafe operations, ensuring smooth service and a welcoming atmosphere.
· Maintain high service and presentation standards across the cafe.
· Manage staff rotas, schedules, and volunteer shifts efficiently.
· Ensure compliance with health, safety, and food hygiene regulations.
· Monitor stock levels, oversee ordering, deliveries, and reduce waste.
· Ensure EPOS (electronic point of sale) systems and stock management processes are up to date.
Team Leadership & Training
· Supervise and mentor front-of-house staff, fostering a positive and motivated work environment.
· Deliver training on customer service, food safety, and operational procedures.
· Support professional growth and encourage teamwork.
Customer Service & Engagement
· Deliver an outstanding guest experience by ensuring warm, efficient, and professional service.
· Handle customer feedback, resolve issues proactively, and maintain a high level of satisfaction.
· Identify opportunities to enhance service and drive customer engagement.
Financial & Business Development
· Monitor budgets, revenue, and cost control, working towards profitability.
· Identify and implement commercial opportunities to enhance business performance.
Person Specification:
Essential Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Where identified
Qualifications
Barista training
Food safety level 2
Driver's license
Application Form
Certificates
Experience
Minimum 1 year of experience in a management or supervisory role in a restaurant or hospitality setting.
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work under pressure and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
Strong administrative and IT skills for scheduling, stock management, and EPOS operations.
Passion for excellent food, beverage service, and customer satisfaction.
Experience of training and mentoring team members
Previous experience of working with volunteers
Experience in carrying out risk assessment
Knowledge of event management
Application Form
Interview
References
Knowledge & Skills
Strong communication & interpersonal skills with
Ability to multitask in a busy environment
The ability to lead and motivate staff
Administrative ability and IT literacy.
Numeracy and financial skills in order to monitor adhere to a budget.
Ability to work and lead in a team
Level 2 in numeracy & literacy
Have logistical skills and the ability to plan ahead
Excellent time management skills
Interview
References
Personal Qualities, attitude & behaviours
Must be passionate about good food and customer service.
Ability to work as part of a team
Professional, hardworking and charismatic
Must be Willing to work evenings and weekends.
Interview
The Auckland Project
The Auckland Project works hard to create a positive change for those living, working and visiting Bishop Auckland. We have created a visitor destination in Bishop Auckland, incorporating Auckland Castle (once home to the Prince Bishops of Durham), a Spanish Art Gallery, Faith Museum, Walled Garden, Deer Park, Mining Art Gallery, Auckland Tower visitor centre and Weardale Railway.
Our visitor destination and community development programme broadly fits into three areas:
1. The social environment: we help individuals and communities by creating a sense of curiosity, hope and faith in themselves and the world around them. We provide opportunities for skills development and partnerships, building a year-round tourist market and supporting small creative industries to thrive
2. The natural environment: we protect, sustain and enhance the world around us
3. The built environment: we restore and enhance the beauty and historic significance of the buildings, structures and assets in our care.
By working with us, you are helping to ensure the town's future is as magnificent and vibrant as its past.
How to Apply
Apply for this role by emailing to request an application form. CV's will not be accepted as application.
Closing date: Monday 15th September 2025 at 12pm
If we receive a high volume of applications we reserve the right to close the application process early.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £28,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person