The Canvas unites people with space and support to solve local problems and make life better for everyone around us.

We do this currently out of our first site, just off Brick Lane in East London. Consisting of a vegan cafe, creative space and community hub, we’re a magnet for change makers and positivity pioneers who see The Canvas as spaces for hope, and a basecamp for change.

Scope of the General Manager role:

Oversees the smooth, professional running and consistent quality of all venue-based activities at The Canvas, including all cafe service and community meals, on-site events and catering, both internal and external. Responsible for all venue-based staff schedules, and line managing heads of staff on site, and supporting them to line manage their teams. Will lead on engaging staff in meeting revenue and spend targets, and ensuring The Canvas’ guiding principles are at the forefront of all activities and communication to customers and beneficiaries.

Always asking yourself:

Are we providing every single person the service they need and expect from these spaces for hope? Are we offering every single person the opportunity to use The Canvas as a basecamp for change?

Crucially, our General Manager will be a key part of The Canvas’ growth. This role is an integral step to The Canvas scaling and replicating to other sites across the UK.

Purpose of the Role:

VEGAN CAFE:

Responsible for the smooth and professional daily operations of The Canvas at 42 Hanbury Street. Overseeing the hiring and training of all new team members, in partnership with Well Grounded. In charge of quality control of the Cafe, and performance management including, if required, letting go of staff members following appropriate steps, with assistance by the CEO.

Working alongside the kitchen team to plan menus, and proactively being ahead of the game with seasonal menu changes.

Alongside the BoH and FoH heads, ordering stock and new equipment to the budget set by the owner.

COMMUNITY HUB + CREATIVE SPACE:

Responsible for The Canvas events spaces being always ready for use and for each event to be fully equipped with the correct set up and staff. Working alongside the Bookings Manager to roll out internal and external catering bookings.

PROFIT-WITH-PURPOSE BUSINESS WITH PLANS TO GROW:

Assist the co-owners to drive revenue to secure the future of The Canvas, creating a thriving community space that is fulfilling its mission, and making customers and beneficiaries feel they’ve found a truly unique space for hope, and a basecamp for change.

Working Hours

40 hours per week. You will be expected to work flexibly within the opening hours of the venue, including weekends and bank holidays.

Remuneration

Salary: 25,000 to 28,000 per annum based on experience

Daily tasks

Ensure all areas are safe, inviting and enticing, and ready for customers
Ensure everyone has fulfilled their duties in relation to safety and hygiene
Try your best to ensure everyone at The Canvas, both customers and staff, are happy!

Weekly tasks

Ordering for the cafe and events venues, to a budget set by the co-owners
Rota for the cafe and events venue, to a budget set by the co-owners
Ensure stock takes are being done, either by yourself or a supervisor in charge
Meet with the co-owners to discuss progress, future road map, and issues and report on the venue’s KPIs.

Monthly / quarterly tasks

Performance appraisals with staff, seeing where team members could be getting more involved with the venue’s operations and The Canvas’ overall mission, and noting where improvements could take place
With the co-owners, checking the overall performance of the business (both financially and through social impact), and making future plans
Planning ahead for seasonal events, such as Christmas; taking the lead on what the venue will provide for these
About you

You’re genuinely passionate about The Canvas’ mission to support grassroots community change, provide for those in need,, and unite people in generosity and activism. You also believe in The Canvas’ potential to fulfil this mission.

You understand how important meeting revenue and cost targets are, just as much as ensuring that the cafe and venue provides exceptionally friendly and high quality service, making us stand out from our competitors.

You love being organised, and are happy wearing ‘many hats’.

You’re not afraid to have difficult conversations, and understand the importance of calm and fair communication. You are comfortable letting people go if they’re not helping the organisation.

You’re looking to grow within our organisation, and be a vital role in our organisation’s growth.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £25,000.00-£28,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

• Bonus scheme
• Performance bonus
• Quarterly bonus

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends

Work remotely:

• No