About the Cafe Manager role
A Cafe Manager runs the daily operations of a coffee shop: hiring and scheduling staff, managing inventory and suppliers, keeping service quality high, and making sure the business hits its revenue and cost targets. It is a hands-on leadership role that combines hospitality instincts with commercial discipline.
On any given day, a cafe manager might train a new barista, negotiate with a coffee supplier, resolve a customer complaint, review yesterday's sales, and update the shift rota. The best candidates lead from the floor, set the tone for service, and treat the cafe's numbers as their own.
In your posting, describe the size of the team, your opening hours, and how much ownership the manager gets over menu, pricing, and hiring. Experienced managers want to know the scope of their authority before applying.
Cafe Manager job description template
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Job brief
Our cafe needs a manager who can run each shift well and help the team deliver friendly, consistent service. You will build the shift rota, train the team, manage inventory and supplier relationships, and keep every health and safety requirement met without being reminded.
This role suits someone who has worked across cafe operations and understands how consistent service is delivered during a busy shift. Your work will help increase profitability and build a loyal customer base for our cafe.
Responsibilities
- Manage day-to-day cafe operations, including opening and closing procedures
- Hire, train, and supervise baristas, servers, and other cafe staff
- Create staff schedules that match expected customer traffic
- Manage inventory, place orders, and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors
- Monitor food and beverage quality and ensure drinks are prepared to standard
- Track daily sales, costs, and waste, and report on financial performance
- Handle customer complaints and turn negative experiences into positive ones
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and hygiene regulations
- Maintain the cafe's appearance, equipment, and ambiance
- Plan promotions, seasonal menus, and local marketing initiatives
- Set performance goals for the team and give regular feedback
Requirements and skills
- Previous experience as a Cafe Manager, Restaurant Manager, Shift Manager, or in a similar hospitality management role
- Hands-on experience with cafe or restaurant roles such as barista or server
- Solid understanding of scheduling, inventory management, and cost control
- Experience with POS systems and basic reporting
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Excellent customer service and conflict resolution abilities
- Knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations
- Availability to work across shifts, including weekends and holidays
- High school diploma; additional certification in hospitality or business is a plus
Nice to have
- Specialty coffee knowledge and barista training experience
- Experience managing P&L for a food and beverage business
- Local marketing or social media experience for hospitality venues
- Experience opening a new location or leading a venue refurbishment
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