Cafe Manager

The Commons; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discount on Commons Café & Bar

Free counselling sessions

Birthday leave

Weekly events program

Additional paid maternity leave

Further education program

Job summary

The Commons in Melbourne is seeking a Cafe Manager to oversee daily venue operations, lead a hospitality team, and ensure top-tier food and beverage quality with exceptional customer service. You will manage staff, stock, equipment, and reporting, while fostering a positive, collaborative culture rooted in community values.

You’ll drive cost control, ensure safety and compliance, and collaborate with HR on recruitment and training.

Qualifications

• Experience in a canteen, cafe, or similar food & beverage setting with supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of food & beverage preparation, stock control, and equipment maintenance.
• Excellent organisational and multitasking skills.
• Ability to lead, train, and motivate the team effectively.
• Experience in staff recruitment and training is important.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example with a strong presence on the floor and in service.
• Manage inventory levels and place orders to maintain stock.
• Ensure adherence to recipes and maintain quality and consistency.
• Maintain and service equipment; coordinate maintenance as needed.
• Complete end-of-day, weekly, and monthly financial reports and monitor costs.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Food & beverage knowledge

Leadership

Organisational skills

Budget monitoring

Food Safety Supervisor

Physical fitness

Job description

The Commons is an ecosystem of entrepreneurs, businesses, and curious minds working, connecting, and growing under a common roof. Driven by the sincere desire to see people flourish, we support curiosity and believe in the collective power of people to instigate change. Our focus is on building and strengthening community, and we challenge the status quo in an effort to innovate.

Our in-house café and wine bar offer a seamless all-day experience, from specialty coffee and a high-quality, modern Australian food menu to curated wines and cocktails in the evening. We focus on local and sustainable produce, pairing it with warm, attentive service and a strong sense of community.

The space serves as a vibrant meeting point for members, whether it’s for a morning coffee, a relaxed lunch, or after-work drinks. Our concise food menu balances fun and nostalgia, complemented by a seasonal all-Australian wine list, classic cocktails made with local spirits, and a reserve 'vault' selection of international favourites.

About the Role

The Cafe Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the venue, ensuring high standards of food and beverage quality and exceptional customer service. This role involves managing staff, handling stock and supplies, maintaining equipment, and adhering to established recipes. The Cafe Manager acts as a lead barista and is accountable for end-of-day, weekly, and monthly reporting, ensuring financial accountability. They play a crucial role in fostering a positive team culture.

About You

The ideal candidate will have prior experience in a canteen, cafe, or similar food and beverage setting, with supervisory experience necessary. You should possess a strong knowledge of food and beverage preparation, equipment maintenance, and financial monitoring. Exceptional organisational and multitasking skills are required, along with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential to lead, train, and motivate the team effectively. Experience in staff recruitment and training is also important.

You’ll bring

• Prior supervisory experience in a food and beverage setting
• Strong knowledge of food and beverage preparation, stock control, and equipment maintenance
• Proven leadership, team training, and supervisory capabilities
• Excellent organisational and multitasking skills
• Ability to monitor budgets and control costs
• Food Safety Supervisor certification
• Physical fitness with the ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 20kg

The main duties of the role include, but are not limited to the below:

What you'll do

Customer Service

Lead by example with a strong presence on the floor and in service.

Ensure staff provide courteous and efficient service, following venue standards.

Address customer inquiries and complaints promptly and professionally.

Foster a positive and collaborative team environment.

Train and supervise staff, ensuring adherence to operational standards.

Engage and lead the team in building a strong culture aligned with company values.

Collaborate with HR and management teams for staff recruitment and onboarding.

Stock Control and Ordering

Manage inventory levels to ensure adequate stock of food and beverage ingredients.

Place orders for supplies in a timely manner and monitor stock rotation to minimise waste.

Ensure compliance with food safety practices.

Recipe and Quality Control

Ensure adherence to recipes for all food and beverage items.

Monitor and maintain the quality and consistency of all offerings.

Train staff on proper production techniques and update recipes as required.

Equipment Maintenance

Ensure all equipment is in good working condition.

Schedule regular maintenance and address repairs promptly.

Maintain and respond to property audits conducted by the Facilities Manager.

Monitor and control costs, including stock and labour expenses.

Complete and present end-of-day, weekly, and monthly financial reports.

Take ownership of the cafe’s profit and loss (P&L) performance and identify cost‑saving opportunities.

Work Health and Safety

Ensure compliance with WHS standards and conduct regular safety audits.

Educate staff on WHS policies to maintain a safe working environment.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

At The Commons, you’ll be part of a team that values creativity, collaboration, and growth all within a culture built on community.

We offer:

• Discount on all Commons Cafe and Bar locations
• Free counselling sessions
• Birthday leave
• Weekly events program e.g. breakfast club, yoga & drinks
• Additional paid maternity leave
• Further education program to support personal and professional development

Our Values

At The Commons, our values guide how we work, collaborate and show up for one another every day. We're looking for people who genuinely embody these values in the way they think, act and contribute.

• Putting Our Members First
• Fostering Community
• Working Together as a Team
• Constantly Learning & Growing