Café Operations Manager

About the Position:
HOME Café is looking for an experienced, organised, and results-focused Café Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the café. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing staff, maintaining high customer service standards, overseeing food and beverage quality, controlling stock and operational costs, and ensuring the café runs efficiently. The ideal candidate will have strong hospitality management experience, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple operational priorities in a busy café environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily operations of HOME Café and ensure smooth service.
• Lead, supervise, and motivate café team members.
• Organise staff rotas, shift coverage, and daily team assignments.
• Maintain consistently high standards of customer service.
• Monitor the quality, preparation, presentation, and service of food and beverages.
• Support the team during busy periods and resolve operational issues quickly.
• Recruit, train, and develop café employees where required.
• Monitor staff performance and provide regular guidance and feedback.
• Ensure employees follow company procedures and service standards.
• Manage stock levels and coordinate ordering of food, beverages, coffee, packaging, and cleaning supplies.
• Monitor deliveries and ensure products are received, checked, and stored correctly.
• Control food waste and operational costs.
• Monitor daily sales, cash handling, and till procedures.
• Review operational performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability.
• Handle customer feedback, complaints, and service issues professionally.
• Ensure the café maintains a clean, safe, organised, and welcoming environment.
• Ensure food hygiene, health, safety, and workplace procedures are followed.
• Oversee opening and closing procedures and ensure the premises are secure.
• Monitor equipment and arrange maintenance or repairs when necessary.
• Communicate business updates, targets, and operational procedures to the café team.
• Support promotional activities, special events, and initiatives designed to increase sales.
• Maintain strong working relationships with suppliers and service providers.
• Prepare or assist with operational reports, sales information, and stock records.
• Identify areas for continuous improvement across customer service and café operations.
• Ensure the café consistently delivers a positive customer experience.

Qualifications:

• Previous management or operations experience in a café, coffee shop, restaurant, or hospitality business.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• Excellent customer service and communication abilities.
• Good understanding of café and food-service operations.
• Experience managing staff rotas, training, and team performance.
• Knowledge of stock control, purchasing, and inventory management.
• Understanding of sales, cash handling, cost control, and waste reduction.
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene, health, and safety procedures.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional, reliable, and confident approach.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to motivate and develop a diverse hospitality team.
• Flexible availability, including weekends and busy periods where required.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience and responsibilities.
• Staff meals, drinks, discounts, or other benefits where applicable.
• Management and professional development opportunities.
• Training in café operations, leadership, and business management.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Flexible scheduling where operationally possible.
• Performance recognition and incentives where applicable.
• Opportunities for career progression into senior hospitality management roles.

Pay: £21.00-£30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 42.0 per week

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted or free food
• Flexible schedule
• Referral programme

Work Location: In person