Bistro/Cafe Manager (Temp to Perm) - Haywards Heath

Appetite4Work are looking for an experienced, upbeat and people-focused Bistro Manager to lead a busy, welcoming daytime bistro open seven days a week.

This is a hands-on role for someone who loves great food, great coffee and genuinely warm service. You’ll recruit, inspire and lead a friendly team, shaping a place guests return to again and again, from families and regulars to four-legged visitors.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the day-to-day running of a fast-paced daytime bistro
• Recruit, train and motivate a warm, energetic front-of-house team
• Be a visible, hands-on leader on the floor during busy services
• Deliver relaxed, welcoming and high-quality guest experiences
• Work closely with the kitchen team to ensure smooth service and great food
• Oversee a small retail area, including stock levels and presentation
• Handle guest feedback with care, confidence and warmth
• Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness, food safety and compliance
• Support labour planning, cost control and efficient use of resources
• Help plan and deliver family-friendly activities and seasonal events
• Champion sustainable and community-focused practices

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a Bistro or Café Manager (or similar)
• Background in busy, high-volume daytime or casual dining environments
• Strong people skills and a positive, can-do leadership style
• Confident, calm problem-solver who leads from the front
• Good understanding of labour control, stock management and daily operations
• Comfortable using digital systems for rotas, HR and stock
• Passion for food, coffee, hospitality and community
• Flexible to work weekends and holidays

Role Details

• Full-time role
• 5 days per week, including weekends
• Start date from April 2026 (subject to availability)

If this sounds like the job for you, please apply today with an up to date CV!