Waythrough is looking for a Café Team Manager to lead the day-to-day running of the café based within The Old Moat Garden Centre. This is a hands-on management role combining café operations, team leadership, customer service, and wellbeing support.
The role also involves supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges who are participating in café activities through work placements and volunteering opportunities. You will help create a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment while ensuring the café operates efficiently and professionally.
Responsibilities
Manage the daily operations of the café and lead a team of café supervisors and casual staff
Develop, cost, and deliver café menus and special offers
Oversee food ordering, stock control, and financial reconciliation
Ensure high standards of food safety, hygiene, and customer care are maintained
Support the wellbeing and development of individuals with mental health problems participating in café activities
Help manage referrals, conduct needs assessments and inductions
Train and support clients through structured work placements and volunteering programmes
Build positive relationships with suppliers and assist with contract negotiations
Maintain a welcoming, professional, and customer-focused café environment
Requirements
Proven experience managing a catering service, café, restaurant, or food retail contract catering operation
Strong leadership and employee supervision experience
Experience selling products or services and negotiating supplier contracts
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Strong organisational, motivational, and time management abilities
Ability to remain calm, resilient, and professional under pressure
A proactive approach with the ability to work independently and use initiative
Commitment to delivering excellent customer service
Advanced Food Hygiene qualification
An interest in and commitment to supporting people with mental health problems would be advantageous
Benefits
We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:27 days' annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%Life assurance (3× annual salary)Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly payBirthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days' annual leaveProfessional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance ProgrammeRecognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals£500 Recommend a Friend bonusCycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membershipDiscounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for GoodFree will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the yearInclusion and accessibilityWaythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support.We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.ukClosing Date:2026-06-18Health insuranceVision insuranceEquity / stock optionsPerformance bonus
Additional Information
Cafe Team Manager
Location: Epsom
Contract Type: Mat cover 12 months
Salary: £25,877.80 - £30,868.31 per annum
Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.
About Waythrough
Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we've created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England.
Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services - and it's all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.
Make a real difference in your community
Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job - it's a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.
Recoveryfocus · The Old Moat Garden Centre