Cafe and Bar Manager

Compass Group; Bovington; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company is seeking a hands-on Café & Bar Manager to oversee daily operations at the Recruits Café & Bar in Bovington. The successful candidate will lead a small team, ensure high standards of food hygiene and customer service, and manage inventory and staff rotas. Previous experience in catering, hospitality, or retail is essential along with strong leadership and organizational skills. This role offers the chance to influence the menu and enhance the customer experience.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a catering, hospitality, or retail environment.
• Strong organisational skills with experience managing stock and orders.
• Confident people manager with rota and attendance management experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate and oversee daily café and bar operations.
• Manage weekly stock takes and place food & beverage orders.
• Lead, support, and develop a team of 6 staff.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Leadership

Customer-focused mindset

Job description

Café & Bar Manager – Recruits Café & Bar

Location: Bovington

Hours: Café open 0800–2200 (Mon–Fri) | 1700–2200 (Sat–Sun)

About The Role

We’re looking for a hands‑on Café & Bar Manager to lead the Recruits Café & Bar in Bovington. This is a fast‑paced retail and catering role where you’ll be actively involved in day‑to‑day operations, supporting customers’ lived‑in experience, and leading a small team to deliver great food, drink and service.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and oversee daily café and bar operations, including cooking fresh snack items (burgers, wraps, pizzas)
• Serve alcohol responsibly and operate the Costa coffee machine
• Manage weekly stock takes, place food & beverage orders, and maintain accurate inventory
• Lead, support, and develop a team of 6 staff
• Create and manage staff rotas, ensuring attendance is recorded accurately
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, health & safety, and customer service
• Drive innovation by developing new offers and retail opportunities to enhance the customer experience
• Ensure the unit is presented to a high standard throughout all opening hours

Person Specification

Essential

• Previous experience in a catering, hospitality, or retail environment
• Hands‑on approach with the ability to lead by example
• Strong organisational skills with experience managing stock and orders
• Confident people manager with rota and attendance management experience
• Good communication skills and a customer‑focused mindset

Desirable

• Experience managing a bar or licensed premises
• Knowledge of coffee machines (e.g. Costa)
• Food hygiene or catering qualifications
• Experience working in a busy, multi‑offer retail unit

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a lively catering and retail outlet, influence its offer, and make a real impact on customers’ day‑to‑day experience.