Aug 2017

Dear Applicant

Re: Café Manager

Thank you for your interest in the above position with Polka Theatre.

In order to help you with your application, please find enclosed:

  • Background information on Polka Theatre
  • Job description, person specification and terms of employment
  • Application form and equal opportunities monitoring form

For further information on Polka and our current programme, visit our website

On the application form you will need to provide the names of two people who will act as referees for you, one of whom should be your present or most recent employer, indicating if we are able to contact this person prior to offering the successful candidate the job.

To apply pleasereturn the completed application form along with the equal opportunities monitoring form by email to or by post to Hilary O’Connor,Head of Operations and Front of House, Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB.

Application deadline: Tuesday 15th August 2017

Interviews: Thursday 24th August 2017

Anticipated Start Date: No later than 20thSeptember 2017

We regret we are unable to acknowledge receipt of applications. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has not been successful.

Thank you for your interest in working for Polka and we look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Hilary O’Connor

Head of Operations and Front of House

Background Information on Polka Theatre

Polka Theatre is one of the few venues in the UK which is dedicated to producing and presenting work for young audiences. Since the doors opened in 1979, Polka has been entertaining children with resonant, engaging and exciting theatre.

With two performance spaces providing work for children from 0 to 14 years and a Creative Learning studio for participatory activities, Polka attracts annual visitors of 100,000 children, parents and teachers.

The company is committed to creating theatre for children and young people which is challenging, relevant and of the highest quality. Polka presents its work in a theatre environment designed specifically to meet the needs of children and capable of providing a rich theatrical experience across a range of productions: from the multi-space, installation–style approach of WishWash, to fantastic world premieres of new plays for children like Run! A Sports Day Musical; inventive shows for pre-school age children such as Archaeology A Worm’s Storyand adaptations of well-loved stories like Charlotte’s Web and The Ugly Duckling.

As well as being internationally renowned as a pioneer of theatre for children, Polka is a much-loved local theatre and a vibrant part of local life in Wimbledon and South West London. The venue offers a range of additional facilities for visitors including a café, garden, playground, foyer displays, colouring and reading corner and dressing-up box. The company has strong links with schools, libraries, businesses and other voluntary organisations in the community and a broad Creative Learning and Community Engagement programme.

Polka tours work internationally and regularly co-produces and collaborates with other companies; recent examples include The Paper Dolls with Little Angel Theatre; How To Hide A Lion with Oxford Playhouse; Babe, The Sheep Pig with Tom O’Connell Productions; Hatch with The Royal Opera and To Dream Again with Clwyd Theatr in Wales.

APPLICATION GUIDANCE NOTES

Job Description and Person Specification

Please read the person specification and job description carefully. You should ensure that you meet all the essential criteria before submitting an application.

The supporting statement is an important part of the application as it is your opportunity to explain specifically why you want the job and what makes you a suitable candidate.

It is important that you provide us with clear examples which demonstrate that you possess the knowledge, skills and experience required for the job.

Shortlisting will take place as soon as possible after the closing date and will be carried out by at least two people. When shortlisting we will be making an assessment of how closely your application meets the selection criteria set out in the person specification.

Data Protection

The information given on the application form will be used to create a shortlist for interviews. Any data about you will be held securely with access restricted to those involved in dealing with your application in the recruitment process.

The application form will be kept on file for a maximum of six months and then destroyed. Any applications received after the closing date will be discarded immediately.

Should any job opportunities arise in the future for which we think you may be suitable, we may send you application details about the vacancy. In addition, we may contact you in the future for feedback on our recruitment procedures.

Equal Opportunities

Polka Theatre strives to be an Equal Opportunities employer. The aim of our policy is to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, class, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, marital status, sexual orientation, age, physical disability, trade union activity, political or religious belief. Selection criteria and procedures will be kept under review to ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities. All employees are required to comply with, and actively promote, this policy.

Please let us know if you require special arrangements for interview, contact Hilary O’Connor on 020 8545 8334 or email: so that suitable alternatives can be discussed.

Job Description

POSTCafe Manager

RESPONSIBLE TOHead of Operations and Front of House

RESPONSIBLE FORCafé Cook/Assistant, Café Casual Staff

JOB PURPOSEThe Café Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the café guaranteeing the highest standards of hygiene, safety and customer service. This includes the supervision of staff to ensure the seamless running of the Cafe in the most efficient and effective manner, whilst being pro-active in maintaining and/or improving turnover and profitability.

MAIN ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POST

Supervisory Responsibility

  • Key holder responsibilities including opening up and closing down and ensuring the café is secure at all times
  • Setting up and managing the café each day
  • Attending team, front of house and staff meetings as appropriate
  • Willingness to attend training as appropriate
  • Liaising with the Marketing Manager to promote the Café
  • Complying with all company policies and undertaking any other reasonable duties as required by the Head Of Operations or senior management

Staff Management

  • The Café Manager oversees the kitchen assistant and supports the front of house attendants
  • Responsible for managing staff rotas, hours, holidays and weekly payroll sheets
  • Ensuring high levels of cleanliness and hygiene are met at all times
  • Ensuring that all café staff are fully briefed about menus, offers and other operational information.
  • Providing ongoing training to all café staff
  • Be responsible for the kitchen cleaning rota and completion of daily records for health and safety
  • Be responsible for the repair and maintenance of café equipment and machinery

Customer Service

  • Ensuring the café staff provide a warm and welcoming environment and that customer service is efficient and outstanding
  • Serving customers in a pleasant and courteous manner
  • Maintaining excellent levels of communication with the café team and broader Polka Theatre team
  • Being a positive role model for all Polka staff, particularly the FOH team by upholding all Polka policies and customer service standards
  • Representing the company with diplomacy, discretion and courtesy at all times

Finance

  • Reviewing and communicating financial information to assist in proactive and timely decision making
  • Ensuring in house control systems/audit requirements are adhered to
  • Maintaining/developing specific control systems in order to meet or exceed food and beverage margins
  • Controlling costs without compromising standards and customer experience
  • Responsible for daily cash handling, float management and till reconciliation
  • Implementing staff training on till operations, and till and pricing updates with the Head of Operations

Stock Management

  • Carrying out supplies ordering, ensuring the full availability of the menu at all times, together with the processing and loggingof invoices
  • Monitoring sales and stocks on an ongoing basis including monthly stock checks
  • Maintaining effective stock control, storage and rotation to minimise wastage
  • Reviewing suppliers and prices on an ongoing basis to ensure value for money
  • Reviewing the menu in collaboration with the Head of Operations including the setting of price margins and the trialling and promotion of new products

Licensing

  • Be aware of the Polka Theatre’s licensing restrictions and train all staff in their adherence
  • Knowledgeable of the laws related to the sale of alcohol
  • Reporting all breaches to the Head of Operations

Functions/Events (where required)

  • Be responsible for the smooth running of the café during events and/or birthday parties
  • Assisting with appropriate room set-up
  • Providing high levels of customer service
  • Serving food and beverages
  • Cleaning of rooms and equipment following function

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Essential:

  • Previous supervisory/management experience in the hospitality/catering sector
  • Knowledge of Health & Safety and Food Hygiene legislation
  • Proven cooking skills and knowledge of food
  • Competent IT, numeracy and literacy skills
  • Experience of achieving results and making a positivedifference to customer experience
  • Experience of managing budgets, stock andcost control including price margin
  • Accounting and cash-handling skills and experience
  • Organised, calm and tactful approach with the ability to work well under pressure, independently problem-solving, quickly and efficiently
  • A demonstrable enthusiasm, understanding and experience of customer service and sales techniques.
  • Excellent written and spoken English with a strong ability to deal appropriately with a wide variety of people in a confident and friendly manner
  • Willingness to work unsociable hours including weekends
  • Demonstrable interest and enthusiasm forworking with children within a creative environment

Desirable

  • Qualification in hospitality/catering
  • Food hygiene/food handling certificate
  • First Aid Qualification
  • Personal Licence Holder
  • Experience of working with children and or families
  • Knowledge of the local area

PRINCIPAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • Salary:£20,800 per annum
  • Contract: This is a fixed term contract for one year (Sept 17-Aug 18) with a possible extension of an additional 6 months thereafter, subject to a 3-month probationary period
  • Working Week: Wednesday-Sunday 09:00-17:00, occasional later shifts and some flexibility on the working week will be required from time to time.
  • Dress Code:a uniform shirt will be supplied, to be maintained by the employee. Smart black trousers/skirt and black shoes to be supplied by the employee
  • Holiday:28 days a year, including statutory holidays. Due to our annual operational cycle we require that up to 3 weeks annual leave is taken during our dark period late August to late September.

Polka Theatre

240 Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB

+44 (0)20 8543 4888