Senior Café Manager [New Opening]

Job Title: Senior Cafe Manager

Location: Working across two cafe sites: Kings Cross Pancras Square NC1 and Stoke Newington N16

Direct Reports:

• Kings Cross - x2 Shift Leads
• Stoke Newington - Assistant Cafe Manager, Shift Lead

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time 40 hours per week, usually Monday to Friday (working 3 days at NC1, and 2 days at N16)

Shifts: Usually 07:00 - 15:00 (NC1) and 07:30 - 15:30 (N16)

Salary: £34,320 per annum (paid hourly at £16.50ph) + Additional Apprentice Responsibility Payment when hosting Apprentices

*PLEASE NOTE: Kings Cross Pancras Square will be a new site opening, and we will be recruiting a new cafe team. The appointed Senior Cafe Manager will be involved in hiring their team.

Why Work With Luminary Bakery?

Luminary Bakery is a social enterprise using baking as a tool to empower women and build community. By joining our team, you’ll be part of something bigger than bread – you’ll be helping us grow a sustainable business that creates opportunities for women who’ve experienced social and economic disadvantage.

Your Role

As Senior Café Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the overall success of the cafés by leading the team, overseeing day-to-day operations, and maintaining high standards of customer service, operational efficiency, and health & safety. You will create a positive and professional environment, driving performance and fostering growth within your team while supporting the larger mission of Luminary Bakery.

Key Responsibilities

Café Operations & KPI Management

• Oversee the smooth and efficient daily operations of the cafés.
• Monitor and track sales against agreed targets.
• Provide monthly performance data analysis, identifying areas for improvement and suggesting actionable solutions.
• Utilise the Weekly Cafe Tracker to ensure performance is on track and targets are met.

Stock Management

• Manage ordering and stock replenishment to maintain optimal supply levels while minimising waste.
• Conduct regular stock checks to maintain par levels and stock on hand, to support ordering procedures and cost control.
• Implement and oversee stock rotation procedures to maintain product quality and reduce spoilage.

Team Training & Development

• Lead the training and development of new and existing team members, ensuring they are equipped with the skills needed to succeed.
• Supervise Apprentices in the Luminary Programme, providing guidance and support for their growth.
• Conduct regular one-to-one meetings with team members, offering feedback, encouragement, and developmental guidance.

Staffing & Scheduling

• Ensure staff schedules align with approved rota templates.
• Collaborate with HR to address staffing gaps, including overseeing recruitment, conducting interviews, and managing onboarding processes.
• Preparing staff schedules bearing in mind contracted hours and staff availability, facilitating shift swaps.

Operational Excellence

• Continuously optimise café operations, ensuring all processes align with Luminary policies and standards.
• Regularly monitor and review product quality, verifying that recipes are followed and maintaining consistent high standards.

Health & Safety Compliance

• Maintain a 5-star Food Hygiene Rating by strictly enforcing food hygiene and allergen policies.
• Ensure Health & Safety excellence through risk assessments and ongoing staff training.
• Ensure the café team adheres to cleaning schedules, including daily, weekly and deep cleaning rotas.

Customer Experience & Team Culture

• Foster a culture of professionalism, exceptional customer service, and teamwork within the café.
• Lead by example in your personal appearance, communication, and overall professionalism.
• Promote a positive, welcoming atmosphere for both staff and customers, ensuring an excellent café experience.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Oversee the implementation of work experience initiatives, ensuring smooth execution and positive outcomes for all involved.
• Facilitate seamless cross-department collaboration and operational harmony.

Equipment & Compliance Training

• Train the team on proper handling and maintenance of café equipment.
• Ensure compliance with internal and regulatory standards regarding equipment use and safety.

Supporting the Bigger Picture

• Actively contribute to Luminary Bakery’s broader business and charity goals, supporting its mission and helping drive its success.

Job Requirements And Abilities

• Proven experience in café or hospitality management, with a focus on operational excellence and team development.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both with customers and team members.
• A passion for delivering outstanding customer service and maintaining high standards of café operations.
• Flexibility to work weekends and adjust to changing schedules.
• Committed to upholding Luminary Bakery’s values and mission.