Assistant Food and Beverage Manager
16 days ago
Mansfield
We are looking for an enthusiastic, confident and highly organised individual to take on the role of Assistant Food and Beverage Manager at our Sherwood Forest nature reserve. Assistant Food and Beverage Manager Reference: JUN20264924 Location: Sherwood Forest, NG21 Contract: Permanent Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week Salary: £27,579.00 - £29,445.00 Per Annum Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave (pro-rata) The café is located in our award-winning visitor centre, situated is an ancient landscape alive with nature, history and folklore. Today it is a magical destination visited by people from across the globe, home to the enduring legend of Robin Hood and the famous Major Oak, estimated to be more than 1,000 years old. We care for over 450 hectares of ancient wood pasture and rolling heathland which is home to thousands of species of bird, insect, mammal, fungi, tree and plant. Wooded for centuries and once part of a vast royal hunting ground, for the 350,000 people who come to visit each year it is an incredible place to visit! What's the role about? Supporting the Food and Beverage Manager in the delivery of high-quality menu items, provision of exemplar customer experience, maximising income streams and effectively managing costs to deliver optimal net contribution, whilst ensuring a high level of legislative compliance. Working at Sherwood Forest Reserve, you'll compliment the unique and fascinating visitor experience offer inspiring our visitors to support nature conservation now and in the future. Working with the Food and Beverage Manager, and a team of Centre Assistants, you'll be responsible for delivering the café's menu offer and driving income, ensuring consistent high customer service and delivery. Excellent staff management and organisational skills will be required to manage the weekly rota effectively and a keen eye for managing budgets and costs are essential to manage costs and margins to maintain profit. Working as part of the catering team, we need someone who is enthusiastic, hardworking, self-motivated and is determined to make a success of the catering operation at Sherwood. The Assistant Food and Beverage Manager will: Be responsible for preparing and cooking menu items, leading kitchen operation (alongside the Food and Beverage Manager). Support delivery of exceptional customer care. Proactively support the delivery of net contribution targets through effective budgetary management and resource planning. To proactively support the effective delivery of all administrative tasks within defined timeframes including food ordering and managing relationships with suppliers. Responsible for effective management of food safety and health and safety, adhering to RSPB procedures. Proactively support in the management and leadership of team members. Deputise in the absence of the Food and Beverage Manager. Ensure the café is commercially merchandised according to the agreed layout and stock levels are appropriate. Ensure all catering administration, operating processes, security, food hygiene and health and safety adhere to RSPB procedures. Essential skills, knowledge and experience: GCSE-level Maths and English or equivalent • including qualifications gained through alternative routes or comparable skills demonstrated through work or life experience. Understanding of food hygiene principles, • with the ability to apply safe food handling practices; formal Level 2 Food Hygiene training can be provided if not yet completed. Experience in catering or food service environments, • gained through paid work, volunteering, community activities or other relevant settings. Awareness of budgets and performance measures, • including understanding how financial considerations and KPIs support effective service delivery. Ability to use Microsoft applications, • such as Excel and Word, with confidence in learning additional digital tools as needed. Knowledge of food safety systems and health and safety requirements, • and the ability to follow agreed processes to maintain a safe working environment. Ability to create welcoming and visually appealing displays, • including merchandising, presentation and layout that supports customer experience. Proven ability to plan resources effectively, • including organising teams, tasks and products to meet operational needs. Ability to plan and prioritise tasks, • managing workload, responding to changing demands and meeting agreed deadlines. Ability to motivate and support colleagues, • contributing to a positive team culture and helping others develop in their roles. Ability to respond to customer and colleague needs, • adapting approach to provide helpful, respectful and timely support. Commitment to developing an inclusive, high-performing team, • supporting colleagues with different backgrounds, strengths and experiences to thrive. This is a permanent full time role for 37.5 hours per week. Closing date: 23:59, Friday 28th August 2026 We are looking to conduct interviews for this position as soon as suitable candidates present themselves, so please don't delay in responding. Please note we are actively recruiting for this vacancy, and reserve the right to close once sufficient applications have been received. Interested? If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position. The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract. As part of this application process you will be asked to submit a CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above. No agencies please. TPBN1_UKCT