Eastlands Venue Services Limited
Cafe & Bar Manager
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Cafe & Bar Manager
Café & Bar Manager - Blend @ Medlock Square
Medlock Square marks a bold new chapter in the evolution of the Etihad Campus — a vibrant, year-round destination for culture, leisure and entertainment, set alongside two global icons: the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City Football Club, and the landmark Co-op Live arena.
Named after the River Medlock that runs beneath the site, the development celebrates Manchester’s industrial heritage while shaping its next era of city-defining experiences. Manchester is known worldwide for its sport, music and entertainment — and Medlock Square will build on that legacy, creating a landmark home for exceptional shared moments and elevating the city’s position as one of Europe’s most dynamic, fast-growing destinations.
At the heart of this new district will be an extraordinary food and beverage offer: from relaxed coffee houses and all-day dining to flagship restaurants and premium culinary experiences. Designed to serve both everyday visitors and major event audiences, Medlock Square will deliver high-quality hospitality all week long and across the events calendar.
About The Role
As Café & Bar Manager - Blend, you will lead the operation of a relaxed yet high-quality café and bar concept designed to transition effortlessly from day to night. Blend is a welcoming, versatile space – serving specialty coffee and artisanal pastries by day, before evolving into a laid-back evening destination offering curated wines, craft beers, and simple, well-executed drinks.
- You will be accountable for the full guest journey, team performance, and commercial success of the venue, ensuring the offer remains relevant, consistent, and appealing throughout the day-to-night transition.
- As a visible, hands-on leader, you’ll set the tone of the space, balancing energy, service style, and atmosphere to suit each moment, from relaxed daytime trade to a more social evening environment.
- Working closely with senior hospitality leaders and wider campus teams, you will position Blend as a go-to destination within the Etihad Campus for both everyday visits and event-driven footfall.
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Key Responsibilities
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Service & Guest Experience
- Deliver a friendly, approachable, and high-quality guest experience aligned with a relaxed café and bar environment.
- Create a seamless transition in atmosphere and service style between daytime café trading and evening bar operations.
- Manage guest flow, queues, and busy trading periods effectively, responding to feedback and enhancing the experience.
- Ensure the venue remains clean, welcoming, and fully operational at all times.
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Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, recruit, and develop a versatile front-of-house team, capable of delivering café and bar service to a high standard.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and energetic team culture while setting clear expectations.
- Deliver regular team briefings, coaching, and performance feedback.
- Manage Staffing and rotas in line with trading patterns and business needs.
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Operational Management
- Oversee the day-to-day operation, ensuring smooth transitions between café and bar setups.
- Maintain operational standards in ordering, stock control, and cleanliness, adapting to matchdays, concerts, and events.
- Work closely with kitchen, FOH, and support teams for consistency.
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Commercial Performance & Cost Control
- Support commercial success through strong product knowledge and upselling, driving repeat visits.
- Monitor sales, covers, and satisfaction, reducing wastage, and contributing to budgeting and forecasting.
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Compliance, Safety & Standards
- Ensure adherence to licensing, food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards.
- Maintain accurate records, daily checks, and operation readiness.
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Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
- Partner with chefs, operational teams, and campus leadership to refine the food and beverage offer.
- Support seasonal launches, promotions, and operational enhancements.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Essential
- Proven experience as a Café Manager, Bar Manager, or Assistant General Manager in a fast-paced, quality-led environment.
- Strong leadership and people management skills with a focus on guest experience.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and event days.
Desirable
- Barista and alcohol training or qualifications (e.g., courses in wine, beer, or cocktails).
- Experience in event-driven or multi-use hospitality concepts.
Why Join Us?
Here’s what our team development and benefits package offers:
- Private Medical Insurance (Vitality) – including Virtual GP access and rewards.
- Group Life Assurance – up to 4x your salary.
- Birthday Day Off – extra time to celebrate.
- Complimentary Meals on Shift – breakfast, lunch, fruit, and hot drinks.
- Employee Assistance Programme & Wellbeing Platform – including confidential counselling.
- Employee Discounts – via Blackhawk (cashback & savings across top retailers).
- Generous Holiday Package – including bank holidays.
- Career Development Opportunities – progression across the Etihad Campus.
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