Operations Manager | Cafes

Fordhams Milk Bar; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Fordhams Milk Bar in Melbourne is seeking a hands-on leader to help look after two busy cafes. This full-time role involves supporting the teams, keeping operations organized, and planning ahead for busy periods.

You will work across both sites, organise rosters, recruit and train new staff, coach on the floor, and maintain food, coffee and service standards while monitoring stock and costs. A positive attitude and willingness to grow with the business are essential.

Qualifications

• Hospitality experience and confidence on the shop floor.
• Willingness to learn and take on responsibility.
• Strong communication and calm under busy service.
• Ability to lead by example on the floor.

Responsibilities

• Help manage the daily running of both cafes.
• Organise rosters, staffing and shift coverage.
• Find, welcome and train new team members.
• Work alongside staff on the floor and show how things should be done.
• Help staff feel supported, confident and valued.
• Keep food, coffee, presentation and service standards consistent.
• Keep an eye on stock, ordering and costs.
• Plan ahead for busy periods, staff leave and events.
• Notice issues and follow through to resolution.

Skills

Hospitality experience

People skills

Team leadership

On-floor confidence

Communication

Initiative

Job description

We are a family owned hospitality business with two established cafes in Boroondara and plans to expand.

We are looking for a hands on person to work closely with the owner and help look after both cafes. Someone who cares about people, takes pride in their work and wants to take on responsibility.

You do not need to have been an Operations Manager before. You will need hospitality experience and confidence on the floor, but your attitude, values and willingness to learn matter more than your job title.

About the role

This is a full time role with plenty of variety. You will work across both cafes, supporting the teams, keeping things organised and looking ahead at what needs to happen.

You will be involved in:

• Helping manage the daily running of both cafes
• Organising rosters, staffing and shift coverage
• Finding, welcoming and training new team members
• Working alongside staff on the floor and showing them how things should be done
• Helping staff feel supported, confident and appreciated
• Keeping food, coffee, presentation and service standards consistent
• Keeping an eye on stock, ordering and costs
• Planning ahead for busy periods, staff leave and upcoming events
• Noticing what needs attention and following it through

This is an active role. We want someone who enjoys being on the floor, leading by example and helping the team through a busy service.

About you

You might be a cafe supervisor, team leader or experienced hospitality worker ready for a bigger role.

We are looking for someone who:

• Brings a positive attitude and treats people well
• Is reliable, organised and willing to put the effort in
• Takes initiative and follows through
• Enjoys teaching others and helping them improve
• Communicates clearly and stays calm when things get busy
• Wants to learn, grow and help build a business over time

You do not need to know everything from day one. We want someone who cares, asks questions and is keen to get involved.

What we offer

• The chance to work closely with the owner and have a real say
• Support as you learn and take on more responsibility
• Room to grow as the business expands
• Salary based on experience and what you bring to the role