Job Description

WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for an experienced Café Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of Abney Park Café & Event Space.

The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering excellent food, coffee and customer service while building a thriving community-focused business and developing a happy, motivated team. You will take ownership of the venue, ensuring high standards across all aspects of the operation, whilst working alongside the Directors to help grow the business.

This role would suit someone who enjoys taking responsibility, making decisions and helping a small independent business grow.

Abney Park Café sits within one of East London's most unique green spaces, serving a loyal local community alongside visitors to the park and event venue. The café operates alongside a busy programme of events, weddings and community activities, making this a varied and rewarding management role.

YOU'D BE WORKING FOR

Sabel is a husband-and-wife-run hospitality business with a passion for exceptional food, drink and service.

Over the last ten years we have built a diverse food business operating across weddings, events, corporate catering, film and television catering, and hospitality venues.

Alongside our catering business, we run Abney Park Café & Event Space, a much-loved community café set within the unique surroundings of Abney Park.

Our focus is on creating great experiences for customers whilst building a supportive and ambitious working environment for our team. We believe in giving people responsibility, encouraging growth and making sure everyone takes pride in what they do.

YOU WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

LEADERSHIP

Recruit, train and develop a team of motivated and customer-focused staff.
Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that encourages teamwork and individual growth.
Schedule and manage staff effectively to ensure optimal coverage during peak periods.
Conduct regular team meetings to communicate goals, expectations and feedback.
Manage day-to-day café operations including rotas, recruitment and training.
Work alongside the Directors and Kitchen Team to plan and deliver products, menus and service standards.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Manage the café budget, ensuring profitability and effective cost control.
Be accountable for labour costs, stock control, sales growth and overall site performance.
Track and analyse financial performance, identifying opportunities for improvement.
Work with the Directors to identify opportunities to increase café and event revenue.
Oversee inventory management, ordering and waste reduction.

QUALITY FOOD & DRINK

Maintain consistently high standards of food and beverage quality and presentation.
Conduct regular quality checks to ensure food safety and compliance with regulations.
Ensure the café is well presented, clean and fully compliant with all health and safety requirements.
Champion excellent coffee, food and hospitality standards throughout the business.

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction and implement systems for continuous improvement.
Create a welcoming, positive and community-focused culture.
Build strong relationships with regular customers, local organisations and visitors to the park.

OPERATIONS

Ensure the café, toilets and event spaces are clean, organised and well maintained.
Ensure all equipment is properly maintained and in good working order.
Monitor and optimise workflow to minimise customer wait times without compromising quality.
Manage and contribute to the content of the café's Instagram account.
Manage event enquiries, bookings and delivery within the café and Harriet Delph event space.
Plan, promote and deliver supper clubs, community events and special events within the café, Harriet Delph event space and the Abney Park Chapel.
Work alongside the Sabel Events team to maximise revenue opportunities from the venue and wider Abney Park site.
Take ownership of day-to-day operational issues and ensure they are resolved efficiently and professionally.

Job Requirements

YOU MUST HAVE

At least 2 years' experience in a café, hospitality or venue management role.
A passion for hospitality and quality food and drink.
Experience successfully leading and developing a team.
Strong organisational and communication skills.
The ability to build excellent relationships with both staff and guests.
A strong understanding of labour management, stock control and profitability.
A proactive approach to problem solving and decision making.
Experience working in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
The ability to work a flexible rota, including weekends and occasional evenings.
A desire to develop your own skills and grow with the business.

DESIRABLE