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Job description:

Please note: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we’re only able to contact candidates who are shortlisted for an interview. We truly appreciate your interest in joining our team and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Starting Core Hours: Friday to Sunday, 9:30am–3:30pm (café open 10am–3pm)
Availability: Must be available to work weekends. Additional mid-week hours may be offered based on interest and relevant skills.

Job Purpose

The Café Manager is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Gatehouse Café — a warm, relaxed space within a wider project focused on regenerative living, community connection, and seasonal food.

This is a key holder role requiring confidence, initiative, and a hands-on approach. The successful candidate will manage all café operations, eventually build and lead a small team, and work with ownership to shape and grow the offering.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants ownership of a small hospitality space while being part of a thoughtful, multi-layered rural project.

Core Responsibilities

Café Operations

- Open and close the café independently.
- Lead all service, including barista work, customer care, and food prep.
- Prepare fresh, simple food.
- Maintain a clean, welcoming café space in line with Gatehouse values.

Stock & Ordering

- Monitor and manage stock levels; place orders with suppliers.
- Receive and check deliveries, manage stock rotation, and track wastage.

Health, Safety & Hygiene

- Follow all hygiene, allergen, and food safety procedures.
- Complete and record all daily/weekly cleaning tasks.
- Report maintenance or equipment issues promptly.

Leadership & Growth

- Eventually recruit and manage a small, reliable café team.
- Support training and uphold high standards of service and presentation.
- Collaborate with the wider team to develop the café’s seasonal offering.
- Contribute ideas for events, partnerships, and increasing footfall.

Additional Involvement (Optional, by interest)

Extra hours may be available to candidates interested in wider project support:
- Land-based tasks (e.g. mowing, weeding, vegetable production).
- Accommodation support, including guest check-ins and answering queries.
- Event hosting, including monthly pop-ups and private-hire meetings.

- Eventually opening up the cafe for more days.

Person Specification

Essential

- Strong experience in hospitality or café management.
- Barista experience and confident food prep skills.
- Organised, friendly, and self-motivated.
- Reliable and comfortable working alone or leading others.
- Weekend availability.

Desirable

- Pastry or baking experience.
- Personal licence holder (or willingness to gain one).
- Food hygiene certificate (Level 2 or above or willingness to do).
- Interest in sustainability, local food, and land-based living.

This is more than a café job. It’s a chance to be part of a creative, regenerative rural project — bringing people together through food, hospitality, and shared values.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Work Location: In person