The Shed, Manager
Friends of Cotteridge Park • £25-30k dependent on experience • Full-time
at The Shed, in Cotteridge Park
Deadline for applications: 9am on 3rd August 2026
Reporting to: Chair of Trustees
Hours:
35 hours a week, average over the year, based on a 5 day week with some seasonal variations. Includes one weekend day, some evenings and regular after-school sessions
Contract: Permanent (subject to 3 months probationary period)
About Us
We are a small, volunteer-led charity dedicated to maintaining and improving Cotteridge Park for the benefit of park users. Our work brings people together, supports wellbeing, and creates a vibrant green and social space for everyone to enjoy.
About The Shed
The Shed is a welcoming, inclusive space at the heart of the park. We are run primarily by dedicated volunteers and exist to bring people together, reduce isolation in a friendly environment. The Shed serves a broad range of park users including older residents, families, and those who may be experiencing loneliness or social exclusion.
We are looking for a warm, organised, and motivated Shed Manager to lead our volunteer team and ensure The Shed operates smoothly and safely in adherence to all relevant legislation.
Role Purpose
The Shed Manager will take overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of The Shed. Working closely with volunteers and reporting to the Chair of Trustees (or trustees designated by the Chair), you will provide leadership, coordination, and operational oversight to deliver an excellent experience for Shed users and a positive environment for volunteers.
Key Responsibilities
Volunteer Management
Seek to recruit volunteers from the widest spectrum of the local community who align with the mission and values of the FoCP. ,
Induct, and support volunteers, ensuring they feel valued and well-prepared for their roles.
Create and manage Shed volunteer rotas, ensuring adequate cover at all times.
Provide ongoing training, encouragement, and informal supervision to Shed volunteers.
Address any volunteer concerns or conflicts sensitively and constructively. Record and escalate any more serious incidents or concerns to the Chair for further consideration and action.
Shed Operations
Supervise the daily opening and closing processes of The Shed.
Ensure food and beverages are prepared and served to a high standard.
Monitor stock levels, place orders, and manage supplier relationships.
Maintain accurate records of income, expenditure, and stock.
Supervise cash/card transactions in line with FoCP financial procedures.
Health, Safety & Compliance
Ensure full compliance with food hygiene regulations and hold or work towards a relevant food safety qualification.
Carry out regular risk assessments and maintain a safe working environment for volunteers and Shed users.
Keep accurate records in line with health and safety legislation.
Ensure all relevant licences, insurances and certifications are kept up to date.
Community Engagement
Create a warm, inclusive atmosphere where all park users feel welcome.
Handle feedback and complaints professionally and positively. Record and escalate any more serious incidents or concerns to the Chair for further consideration and action.
Promote The Shed within the local community and support outreach activity.
Work collaboratively with partner organisations and community groups as appropriate.
Administration & Reporting
Report regularly to the Trustee Board on operational performance, volunteer matters, and any issues arising.
Contribute to planning, fundraising ideas, and service development.
Maintain accurate records and documentation in line with organisational policies.
Person Specification
Essential
Experience in a café, catering, hospitality, or customer-facing role.
Demonstrable experience of managing volunteers or a small team.
Confidence and basic capability in using MS and Google tools in particular Word, Excel & Sheets.
Consistently demonstrates a warm, inclusive, and resilient professional manner, combining strong interpersonal skills with calm, independent, and reliable judgement in challenging situations.
Understanding and/or training in diversity and inclusion.
Ability to undertake barista duties and knowledge of coffee equipment sufficient to train new volunteers
Commitment to the values of community, inclusion, and social connection as espoused by FoCP mission and values.
Strong organisational skills, able to juggle multiple priorities (service, stock, rota, admin, cash handling)
Able to create and maintain simple, practical systems that others will actually follow
Awareness of risk assessment processes
Physically able to carry out light manual tasks (lifting stock, moving furniture)
A willingness to work after-school hours, one weekend day and some evenings in summer. (2 consecutive days off will be guaranteed)
Desirable
Level 2 or above Food Safety in Catering qualification (or willingness to achieve it during the probationary period, paid for by the charity).
Understanding of safeguarding principles, particularly where volunteers and customers may include vulnerable adults
Motivated by community impact rather than commercial goals
Previous barista experience.
Experience working or volunteering in a voluntary, community, or third-sector organisation.
First Aid certificate (or willingness to obtain one, paid for by the charity).
What We Offer
Training and support as needed
A rewarding role making a tangible difference in your local community
A supportive and friendly team of staff and volunteers
30 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays.
Some flexibility and autonomy in working patterns within the constraints of Shed operating times and seasonal variations in trade
Our Commitment to You
We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, ages, and experiences. We offer flexible working arrangements, a friendly and values-driven working environment, and the chance to make a genuine difference in your community.
To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter which tells us about your suitability for this role and your reasons for applying for this job with us.
Send it to info@cotteridgepark.org.uk by 9am 3rd August 2026.
For an informal chat about the role, please contact todd@cotteridgepark.org.uk
Interviews will be held on 11 and 12 of August.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a 3hr paid trial shift on 12, 13 or 14 of August
Any offer of employment is subject to:
Satisfactory references
Enhanced DBS check (ahead of employment)
Right to work in the UK
Visa sponsorship is not available