Café & Play Centre Manager (Hospitality Management Experience Essential) - Cupcake Kangaroo - Wooburn Green

Hospitality Management Experience Essential
Location: Cupcake Kangaroo, Wooburn Green, Buckinghamshire
Salary: £30,000 per year
Hours: Full-time, Thursday to Monday, 9:30am – 5:30pm (40 hours per week)

About Us

Cupcake Kangaroo is a unique family café and indoor play space designed for children aged 0–7 years. We combine high-quality coffee and food with a beautiful, clean and safe play environment where families can relax while their little ones play.

We're a growing business looking for an enthusiastic, hands-on Manager who will help us deliver an exceptional customer experience every day.

About the Role

This is not a desk-based management role.

We're looking for someone with previous hospitality management experience who leads by example, enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves. As a small business, everyone helps wherever needed, so you'll be involved in all aspects of the day-to-day operation.

You'll be responsible for ensuring the café and play area run smoothly, leading the team, maintaining high operational standards and creating a welcoming environment for every family who visits.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership
Lead, motivate and support the team during each shift.
Delegate tasks and ensure they are completed to a high standard.
Train and develop new team members.
Foster a positive, professional and energetic working environment.
Customer Experience
Deliver outstanding customer service at all times.
Welcome families and create a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Handle customer queries and resolve issues professionally.
Ensure sessions run smoothly from check-in to finish.
Café Operations
Support with taking customer orders and serving food and drinks.
Assist with coffee preparation and café service.
Ensure food hygiene and health & safety procedures are followed.
Monitor stock levels and report shortages.
Maintain excellent presentation and cleanliness throughout the café.
Play Area Operations
Check families into play sessions.
Monitor the play area to help ensure children are playing safely.
Ensure the play space remains clean, tidy and welcoming.
Carry out regular safety checks throughout the day.
General Management
Open and close the venue when required.
Complete daily operational checks.
Monitor stock and order supplies when needed.
Report maintenance issues.
Help improve daily operations and the overall customer experience.

What We're Looking For

Essential
Previous hospitality management or supervisory experience (essential).
Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop a team.
Excellent customer service skills.
Comfortable working around young children and families.
Highly organised with the ability to multitask.
Proactive, reliable and able to work independently.
Strong communication and leadership skills.
Desirable
Barista experience and confidence preparing high-quality coffee.
Food Hygiene Certificate.
First Aid qualification (or willingness to obtain one).
Experience working in a children's play centre, nursery or family attraction.

The Ideal Person

We're looking for someone who takes ownership, uses their initiative and is always looking for ways to improve the customer experience.

You'll enjoy leading a team, staying organised under pressure and maintaining high standards throughout the venue. You'll be hands-on, dependable and willing to get involved wherever needed.

Most importantly, you'll genuinely care about creating a welcoming, fun and memorable experience for every family who visits Cupcake Kangaroo.

What We Offer

£30,000 annual salary.
Full-time permanent position.
Consistent Thursday to Monday working pattern.
A supportive and friendly team environment.
The opportunity to grow with an exciting and expanding family business.
A varied, rewarding role where no two days are the same.
If you're passionate about hospitality, have experience leading a team and are excited to be part of a growing business, we'd love to hear from you.