Cafe Manager

Larder Daylesford; Daylesford; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and development

Job summary

Larder Daylesford in Daylesford, VIC, is seeking a hands-on leader to run the day-to-day operation on the shop floor, with dedicated time off the floor for admin, training and development. You’ll guide service, standards and ordering, use best-in-class tools for POS, rostering and inventory to keep admin efficient, and focus on the team, customer experience and continual improvement.

The role emphasizes developing drinks, refining systems, training staff and building a positive, well-supported

Qualifications

• Hands-on leadership experience with a strong floor presence.
• Experience leading service, standards and ordering.
• Familiarity with POS, rostering and inventory systems.
• Ability to train and develop staff.
• Detail-oriented with focus on continual improvement.

Responsibilities

• Leading the floor during service, keeping things smooth, focused and positive.
• Developing and evolving the drinks menu.
• Maintaining and improving systems.
• Training and upskilling staff to strengthen the team and roster.
• Monitoring performance and using data to guide decisions.
• Managing stock and ordering through systems.
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness, organisation and presentation.
• Building genuine relationships with customers.

Job description

Daylesford is one of Victoria's most recognised food and lifestyle destinations, a creative, progressive regional town with a strong local base and high-volume weekend trade. Larder has been part of that for over 20 years.

We're a 120-seat café across three spaces. Larder (our flagship), L1 with a second barista station, and a large courtyard and what sets us apart is how the place runs.

Service is fast, high-energy and smooth because the systems, layout and equipment are built to support it. The team is confident, well-trained, and trusted to do their role properly which means service feels good, not stressful.

We've invested heavily in workflows, technology and training so the operation is efficient, consistent and easy to manage and we're continuing to evolve.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a hands-on leadership role with a strong presence on the floor, supported by dedicated time off the floor for admin, training and development.

You'll lead the day-to-day operation of the team, service, standards and ordering.

We use best-in-class tools across POS, rostering and inventory to keep admin efficient and structured, so your focus can stay on the team, the customer experience, and continuous improvement.

There is also time built into the week for:

drinks and product development

training and upskilling

refining systems and workflows

You'll be someone who notices the details, keeps things organised, and actively looks for ways to improve how the café runs while maintaining a positive, capable and well-supported team.

COFFEE & DRINKS PROGRAM

We run a serious coffee setup. Currently two La Marzocco 3-group machines, Mahlkönig EK43, Mazzer Super Jolly V Pro and Puqpress, alongside Coffee Supreme, with separate blends for black and white coffee.

Our drinks program includes rotating single origins for batch, cold brew, cold drip, and an evolving iced and cold foam menu that's becoming a key part of the offering.

We're about to rebuild the L1 barista station into a purpose-built coffee bar designed for better workflow, speed and a more elevated customer experience, including a dedicated section for iced and cold drinks.

If you're interested in coffee workflows, drinks development and where the café scene is heading, this is a big part of the role.

TEAM & CULTURE

We've built a strong, stable team and we protect that.

We take the time to know our customers and each other, and we expect the manager to lead that, not just operationally, but in how the café feels day-to-day.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Leading the floor during service. Keeping things smooth, focused and positive

Developing and evolving the drinks menu

Maintaining and improving systems

Training and upskilling staff to strengthen the team and overall roster

Monitoring performance and using data to guide decisions

Managing stock and ordering through systems

Maintaining high standards of cleanliness, organisation and presentation

Building genuine relationships with customers

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Someone who:

Is proactive and detail-oriented, notices things early and acts on them

Values systems and uses them properly (not workarounds)

Holds high standards across service, cleanliness and presentation

Builds a positive, capable team without creating tension or drama

Is organised, consistent and clear in how they communicate

Enjoys hospitality, both the pace of service and the community side of it