Cafe & Bar Manager

Cafe & Bar Manager

Department: Hospitality

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Medlock Square

Medlock Square marks a bold new chapter in the evolution of the Etihad Campus – a vibrant, year‑round destination for culture, leisure and entertainment, set alongside two global icons: the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City Football Club, and the landmark Co‑op Live arena.

Named after the River Medlock that runs beneath the site, the development celebrates Manchester’s industrial heritage while shaping its next era of city‑defining 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 city’s position as one of Europe’s most dynamic, fast‑growing destinations.

At the heart of this new district will be an extraordinary food and beverage offer: from relaxed coffee houses and all‑day dining to flagship restaurants and premium culinary experiences. Designed to serve both everyday visitors and major event audiences, Medlock Square will deliver high‑quality hospitality all week long and across the events calendar.

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, you’ll 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…