Cafe Manager

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Cafe Manager to oversee the daily operations of the café, including the service floor, kitchen operations, and baking department. The ideal candidate is a strong leader who is operationally competent across all departments, capable of training and developing staff, maintaining discipline and service standards, and driving business performance through strong leadership and execution.

The Cafe Manager must possess a proven track record in achieving sales targets, operational KPIs, staff training objectives, and maintaining high standards of food quality, customer service, cleanliness, and team performance.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Oversee the overall daily operations of the café, including front-of-house service, kitchen production, and baking operations.

• Ensure smooth coordination between service, kitchen, and baking teams to maintain efficiency and customer satisfaction.

• Monitor and maintain operational standards, SOP compliance, food safety, hygiene, and workplace cleanliness.

• Ensure consistent product quality, presentation standards, and customer experience across all departments.

• Manage manpower allocation, scheduling, and shift planning to meet operational requirements.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, supervise, and motivate service, kitchen, and baking teams to achieve operational excellence.

• Train, coach, and develop employees across all departments to improve competency and performance.

• Maintain discipline, professionalism, grooming standards, and workplace conduct among all staff.

• Conduct performance evaluations, identify development needs, and implement improvement plans where necessary.

• Foster teamwork, accountability, and a positive working culture.

Hands-On Operational Support

• Be fully capable of stepping into operational roles within the service, kitchen, and baking teams when required.

• Assist during peak periods, manpower shortages, emergencies, or operational disruptions.

• Ensure all departments are adequately supported to maintain uninterrupted operations.

Sales & Business Performance

• Drive sales growth through effective operational management, upselling initiatives, promotions, and customer engagement strategies.

• Monitor daily, weekly, and monthly sales performance and implement action plans to achieve targets.

• Analyse operational and financial reports to improve productivity and profitability.

• Manage cost control measures relating to labour, food cost, wastage, and inventory.

KPI & Standards Management

• Achieve and maintain company KPIs, including but not limited to:

  • Sales targets

  • Labour cost targets

  • Food cost control

  • Customer satisfaction scores

  • Staff retention and training completion

  • Operational audit standards

  • Service speed and efficiency

• Ensure all operational documentation, checklists, and reports are properly maintained.

Customer Service

• Maintain exceptional customer service standards and handle customer feedback or complaints professionally.

• Build strong customer relationships and ensure a welcoming dining experience.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of managerial experience in café, restaurant, bakery, or hospitality operations.

• Proven experience managing both front-of-house and back-of-house operations.

• Strong knowledge of café operations, kitchen workflow, and baking operations.

• Demonstrated track record in achieving sales targets and operational KPIs.

• Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.

• Ability to train, coach, discipline, and develop employees effectively.

• Hands-on operational mindset with the ability to work in fast-paced environments.

• Good understanding of food hygiene, food safety regulations, and workplace safety standards.

• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities.

• Flexible with work schedules, including weekends and public holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Hospitality, Food & Beverage, Culinary Arts, Business Management, or related fields.

• Food Hygiene Certification or equivalent relevant certifications.

• Experience in multi-department café or bakery operations will be advantageous.