About Us

The Elsie Normington Foundation (ENF) is a Highland-based charity supporting children and young people with disabilities and complex needs. Our Haven Centre in Smithton is home to the Haven Café, a welcoming community café open to the public and centre users. All profits from the café directly support ENF’s charitable work across the Highlands.

The café also provides supported training and work experience opportunities for young adults with additional support needs, helping them build confidence, skills, and independence in a safe, inclusive environment.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced, compassionate, and organised Café Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of the Haven Café. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will be responsible for delivering excellent hospitality while supporting and developing a team of volunteers, including young adults with learning disabilities and additional support needs.

This role suits someone who thrives in a community-focused setting and wants to combine strong café management skills with genuine social impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operation of the café, including opening and closing procedures
• Deliver excellent customer service and maintain a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere
• Supervise, mentor, and train café volunteers, adapting tasks to individual abilities
• Ensure full compliance with Food Safety, Environmental Health, Health & Safety, COSHH, and safeguarding requirements
• Operate barista equipment and oversee food preparation where required
• Develop and maintain menus, including allergen and dietary information
• Manage stock control, supplier relationships, orders, and deliveries
• Use the EPOS system, complete financial reconciliation, and maintain accurate records
• Oversee cleaning schedules, risk assessments, and quality assurance processes
• Promote the café locally and support social media activity
• Work with senior management and trustees to improve profitability and explore growth opportunities such as external catering

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience in a café or hospitality management role
• Strong knowledge of Food Safety, Health & Safety, and Environmental Health legislation
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or supporting young people with learning disabilities or additional support needs
• Barista experience and confidence using coffee machines
• Experience using EPOS systems and handling cash reconciliation
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Ability to manage stock, suppliers, and equipment effectively
• A patient, empathetic approach with the ability to adapt training to individual needs

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working with young people with disabilities or complex needs
• Menu planning and external catering experience
• Budgeting, business development, or income generation experience
• Marketing or social media promotion experience
• Experience delivering hospitality training or vocational qualifications

Why Join Us?

• A rewarding role combining hospitality with social impact
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people
• Supportive leadership and a values-driven organisation
• Competitive salary and permanent contract