Assistant Café Manager

Help us build the next stage of the Blue Bunker

The Blue Bunker is entering an exciting new chapter. Following the success of The Bunker at Orford Park, we are bringing our operation together at our new permanent home within Warrington Rylands FC.

We are looking for an experienced, motivated and dependable Assistant Café Manager to work alongside the owner and help develop the business.

This is not a trainee or entry level hospitality role.

We need someone with proven experience who can hit the ground running, confidently manage a busy food operation and take responsibility for their own shifts.

You will have the freedom to make sensible day-to-day decisions while working closely with the owner on menus, events, new opportunities and the future development of the Blue Bunker.

The role

You will be responsible for the smooth running of the café during your shifts, ensuring excellent customer service, high food standards and efficient operations.

Typical hours are expected to include approximately six hours on home matchdays, plus two or three weekday shifts of around four hours. Weekday shifts may include food preparation, stock management, online orders, general café operations and developing additional events and income opportunities.

Additional hours may become available through private bookings, club events, online orders and other activities you help create. Football fixtures mean that some evening and weekend availability is essential.

Key responsibilities

• Preparing and serving food and drinks to a high standard.
• Taking responsibility for the day-to-day running of the Blue Bunker during your shifts.
• Preparing for and managing busy football matchday service.
• Opening and closing the café.
• Maintaining excellent food hygiene, cleanliness and food safety standards.
• Managing stock levels, ordering supplies and controlling waste.
• Preparing and fulfilling online food orders.
• Working with Warrington Rylands FC to maximise matchday and club opportunities.
• Helping develop and improve the menu.
• Identifying ways to increase sales, improve efficiency and strengthen profitability.
• Helping source, plan and deliver private functions, community events, catering opportunities and other activities.
• Building relationships with customers, local organisations and potential partners.
• Making confident day-to-day decisions while discussing larger plans and changes with the owner.

Essential experience

• Proven experience supervising or managing a café, kitchen, catering business or similar hospitality operation.
• Experience taking responsibility for a complete shift or service.
• Experience maintaining food safety and hygiene standards.
• Experience managing stock, supplies and waste.
• The ability to work confidently without constant supervision.
• Strong customer service, organisational and communication skills.
• The confidence to solve problems and make sensible decisions during busy service.

Applicants without relevant supervisory or management experience will not be suitable for this position.

The person

We are looking for someone who takes ownership and pride in their work. You should notice what needs doing without waiting to be asked, remain calm during busy periods and lead by example.

You will be commercially aware and interested in helping grow the Blue Bunker, rather than simply maintaining the existing operation. We want someone who can bring forward ideas, help turn those ideas into practical opportunities and work positively alongside the owner and the football club.

Desirable

• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate or higher.
• Experience within football, stadium or event catering.
• Experience organising functions or community events.
• A full UK driving licence.

What we offer

• £14.00 per hour.
• An immediate start for the right candidate.
• Genuine responsibility and autonomy during your shifts.
• The opportunity to influence menus, systems and future plans.
• Direct support and involvement from the owner.
• The opportunity to increase your hours as the business grows.
• The ability to help create additional events and income opportunities.
• Performance-related rewards for successfully generating additional business.
• The opportunity to help build one of the best independent football cafés in the area.