Cafe Manager

Houston & Hawkes is looking for an experienced Cafe Manager to join our team at an exciting new client location in Milton Keynes. We're looking for someone with personality, energy and a real eye for detail - a talented manager who takes genuine pride in great food, exceptional service and creating an environment where both customers and the team feel valued. You'll lead the day-to-day catering operation, develop your team, build a trusted relationship with our client and ensure consistently high standards across food, service, presentation and commercial performance.,

• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day catering and retail operation, ensuring consistently high standards of food, service and presentation.
• Lead, motivate and develop the team, creating a positive, engaged and professional working environment.
• Deliver an excellent customer experience through warm, efficient and attentive service.
• Bring flair and innovation to menus, food presentation and the overall offer.
• Manage budgets, cost controls, stock, ordering and operational performance.
• Build strong relationships with the client, customers and the wider Houston & Hawkes team.
• Plan and organise the operation effectively, ensuring service runs smoothly and consistently.
• Complete company documentation, reporting and bookwork accurately and on time.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, allergen awareness, health & safety and hygiene.
• Continuously look for opportunities to improve quality, service and commercial performance.
  
  An experienced Cafe Manager or catering manager with a strong background in quality food-led operations.
• City & Guilds, NVQ or relevant catering or food production training, together with a food hygiene qualification or equivalent practical knowledge.
• Strong craft skills with an eye for quality, presentation, flair and innovation.
• Good financial and commercial awareness, including cost control, stock control and budget management.
• A confident, organised and approachable people leader with excellent communication skills and a genuine passion for food and service., If you're an experienced Cafe Manager who brings personality, energy and a genuine passion for great food and service, we would love to hear from you.
  
  Alongside the opportunity to join an exciting new client location, you'll be joining a business that genuinely invests in its people, celebrates success and creates opportunities to develop.
• Your birthday off every year
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• CODE Hospitality membership, giving you access to one of the UK's leading hospitality communities
• Foodie Socials - bringing our teams together to share new concepts, seasonal food and drink ideas and the creativity happening across Houston & Hawkes
• Ongoing learning, development and genuine opportunities for career progression
• Our Summer Awards Party - celebrating the people, achievements and successes across Houston & Hawkes
• An unforgettable Christmas Party at one of London's outstanding venues - bringing the whole business together to celebrate the year in true Houston & Hawkes style
• Monday to Friday working pattern
• 37.5 hours per week
ABOUT HOUSTON & HAWKES Houston & Hawkes is an award-winning independent caterer creating vibrant, creative and exceptional food and hospitality experiences across some of the UK's most prestigious client sites. We're a Certified B Corp, recipient of the King's Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2026 and proud to be ranked No. 14 in The Caterer's Best Places to Work in Hospitality.