Cafe Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for an outgoing individual with café management experience and great barista skills to run Odyssey’s Community Café in central Hamilton, operating Tuesdays to Saturdays 7:00am to 3:30pm.

Odyssey is establishing a new peer-led community service within a café setting where people with mental health or addiction-related distress can drop in for coffee, connection, and receive support.

You will be responsible for the set up and day-to day operation of the café, which will be selling food and beverages to the general public, and to people seeking help. You will play a key role in helping to create a welcoming, inclusive space where customers, tāngata whai ora (people seeking wellness) and our staff can spend time and receive quality café services.

Our ideal candidate will be self-motivated; people centred and have proven business acumen. They will also have:

• Strong organisational skills and a strong eye for detail
• Relevant hospitality experience and qualifications, including experience managing a cafe and providing barista services
• Experienced in training others
• An interest in working for an organisation with a social purpose
• Cultural awareness and empathy towards people experiencing mental health and/or addictions challenges
• Flexible and able to adapt to changing situations

In return we offer:

• A competitive salary: $82,867 to $91,353 per annum (depending on experience) and 22 days annual leave
• The opportunity to run a community café with a social purpose, using your hospitality experience and strong people skills
• Be part of a wider team of peer, cultural and clinical specialists seeking to make a positive difference in peoples’ lives

More about us:

Odyssey has supported thousands of New Zealanders whose lives are affected by alcohol, drug or other addiction challenges. We wholeheartedly believe that everyone living in New Zealand should have the opportunity to live life to the fullest, to feel hopeful about their future and to have meaningful relationships with friends and whānau.

To apply, please send us your CV and a cover letter, and complete the additional information questionnaire online. For all enquiries, please contact Michelle in the People and Capabilities team on [021 578 262](tel:021 578 262).

Closing date: Monday, 21 September 2026

Please note that Police and Oranga Tamariki clearance checks are required for this role.

Odyssey is an equal opportunity employer and a smoke free organisation. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We particularly encourage applications from Māori and Pacific peoples.

For a copy of the Job Description visit 2026-sep---pd-cafe-manager---odyssey-community-cafe.pdf