Medlock Square marks a bold new chapter in the evolution of the Etihad Campus a vibrant yearround destination for culture leisure and entertainment set alongside two global icons: the Etihad Stadium home of Manchester City Football Club and the landmark Coop Live arena.
Named after the River Medlock that runs beneath the site the development celebrates Manchesters industrial heritage while shaping its next era of citydefining 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 citys position as one of Europes most dynamic fastgrowing destinations.
At the heart of this new district will be an extraordinary food and beverage offer: from relaxed coffee houses and allday dining to flagship restaurants and premium culinary experiences. Designed to serve both everyday visitors and major event audiences Medlock Square will deliver highquality 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 youll 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.
You will be responsible for:
Service & Guest Experience
Deliver a friendly approachable and high-quality guest experience aligned to a relaxed café and bar environment. Create a seamless transition in atmosphere and service style between daytime café trading and evening bar operations while ensuring guests receive consistent and engaging service throughout the day. Manage guest flow queues and busy trading periods effectively responding to guest feedback professionally and using insights to continuously enhance the overall experience. Ensure the venue remains clean welcoming and fully operational at all times.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead recruit train and develop a versatile front-of-house team capable of delivering both café and bar service to a high standard. Foster a positive inclusive and energetic team culture while setting clear expectations around service product knowledge presentation and guest interaction. Deliver regular team briefings coaching and performance feedback while supporting the development of multi-skilled team members across all areas of the operation. Manage rotas and staffing levels in line with trading patterns business needs and event activity.
Operational Management
Oversee the day-to-day operation of the café and bar ensuring smooth and efficient service across all trading periods. Manage transitions between daytime café and evening bar setups including staffing atmosphere stock and product availability. Maintain strong operational standards across ordering stock control cleanliness and service delivery while adapting operations to support matchdays concerts and event-driven demand. Work closely with kitchen front-of-house and support teams to ensure effective communication and operational consistency.
Commercial Performance & Cost Control
Support the commercial success of the venue through strong product knowledge upselling and creating repeat guest visits. Monitor key performance indicators including sales covers spend per head labour efficiency and guest satisfaction while identifying opportunities to improve performance. Manage stock effectively minimise wastage and support ordering and cost control processes. Contribute to budgeting forecasting and local initiatives designed to drive revenue and enhance the guest offer.
Compliance Safety & Standards
Ensure compliance with all food safety health & safety hygiene and licensing standards across the operation. Maintain accurate records daily checks and operational procedures while promoting safe working practices for both guests and team members. Ensure high standards of cleanliness presentation and operational readiness are consistently maintained throughout the venue.
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
Work closely with chefs operational leaders and wider campus teams to deliver a consistent and engaging food and beverage offer. Support seasonal menu launches promotions activations and new initiatives while identifying opportunities to improve service flow operational efficiency product quality and the overall guest experience.
Skills Knowledge & Expertise
Essential
Proven experience as a Café Manager Bar Manager Assistant General Manager or similar role in a fast-paced quality-led environment
Experience managing both daytime (coffee-led) and evening/bar service operations
Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to build engaged teams
Passion for hospitality with a focus on guest experience and community feel
Good commercial awareness including sales driving and labour control
Excellent organisational and communication skills
Ability to adapt service style to suit different trading periods
Understanding of POS systems and stock management tools
Sound understanding of licensing food safety and health & safety requirements
Flexibility to work evenings weekends and event days
Desirable
Knowledge of specialty coffee and bar service (wine beer cocktails)
Experience in casual lifestyle or neighbourhood hospitality concepts
Experience within multi-use or event-led venues
Barista training or alcohol product knowledge qualifications
Why Join Us
Private Medical Insurance (Vitality) including Virtual GP access and rewards
Group Life Assurance 4x salary paid to your nominated beneficiary
Birthday Day Off an extra day to celebrate
Complimentary Meals on Shift breakfast lunch fruit and hot drinks
Employee Assistance Programme & Wellbeing Platform including counselling support
Employee Discounts Platform (Blackhawk) cashback and savings across major retailers
Company Pension Scheme
Generous Holiday Allowance plus bank holidays
Career Development Opportunities with progression across the campus
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