job description

cafe manager – seasonal position

Location: Litton Lakes Campsite, Dorset
Job Type: Seasonal (1st April – 30th September)
Salary: Competitive, based on experience
Hours: Full-time (approx.32 hours), including weekends, bank holidays and school holidays

about us

Our lakeside cafe is a core part of the Litton Lakes experience. It’s a laid-back haven for coffee lovers, adventurers and families alike.

We’re looking for a dynamic, customer-focused Café Manager to lead our small team, ensuring exceptional customer service and smooth day-to-day operations throughout our busy spring and summer season.

the role

As Café Manager, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the café while ensuring our visitors have a memorable experience. This is a hands-on role that includes a significant element of basic food preparation.

Your responsibilities will include:

Preparing and cooking basic café food such as breakfast rolls, toasties, and other simple meals
Making hot and cold drinks including coffee, milkshakes and juices
Managing a small team of staff, including creating staff rotas and overseeing daily operations
Working independently on quieter days
Overseeing paddleboard hire, including bookings, safety briefings, and equipment management
Managing stock levels, placing orders, and ensuring efficient stock rotation
Providing excellent customer service and fostering a friendly, welcoming environment
Handling cash management, daily takings, and basic financial reporting
Ensuring compliance with health & safety and food hygiene regulations
Assisting with general campsite duties, such as:
- Welcoming and checking in campers
- Helping to keep customer toilets clean and tidy
- Occasionally assisting with other campsite tasks as needed
Managing off-site stock collection and storage. This involves:
- Collecting and returning stock (such as milk, ice cream, and perishable items)from off-site storage fridges/freezers at the beginning and end of each shift.
- Occasionally picking up essential supplies from local suppliers.

Working Hours - Generally 9:30-15:30 on weekdays and 9:30-17.30 on Saturdays.

Approximately 32 hours per week. Option to open earlier in the mornings if more hours are desired.

what we’re looking For

We’re looking for someone with:

Previous supervisory/management experience in a cafe or restaurant
A professional and approachable personality, with a passion for delivering exceptional service.
Barista skills
Basic catering/cooking skills
Strong leadership and team management skills
Excellent organisational and time management skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Basic IT skills - Word and Excel
A hands-on, proactive approach to problem-solving and daily operations
The ability to work effectively under pressure
The ability to multitask effectively when working independently
An eye for detail
A love of the outdoors and comfortable working in varying weather conditions
Respect for nature and a passion for recycling and reducing waste
Full driving licence and access to a vehicle
A reasonable level of physical fitness - the role involves lifting paddleboards and café stock
Willingness to assist in all areas of the business when required
Availability to work weekends, bank holidays and school holidays from April to the end of September.

perks of the job

We believe in rewarding hard work and offering a unique working environment. Perks include:

Free food during shifts
Discount in the café when not working
Free use of the lake and paddleboards all year round
Stunning work location with beautiful views of the valley and lake
Company pension
Free camping for yourself and a partner during your employment
Option to live (camp) on-site (note: the campsite has no electric hook-up).

how to apply

If you think you’d be a perfect fit for this role, we’d love to hear from you!

👉 To apply, please send your CV and a short cover letter explaining why you’d love to be our Café Manager to:
📧 littonlakes@hotmail.co.uk

Application Deadline: 23 March 2025