Cafe Manager

JR United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the café industry is seeking a Cafe Manager to lead one of their sites in London. This hands-on leadership role entails managing daily operations, training staff, and ensuring exceptional guest experiences, all while championing the café's hospitality values and operational standards. Candidates should possess a strong background in high-volume café or boutique restaurant management and be passionate about service and quality.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Pension scheme with employer contributions

Cycle to work Scheme

Opportunities for internal growth and career development

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in café, casual dining, or boutique restaurant management.
• Experience managing staff rotas using Workforce or similar platforms.
• Passion for hospitality, coffee, and food quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations including opening/closing and floor management.
• Recruit, onboard, train, and retain a high-performing team.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene and health & safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Operational Knowledge of P&L

Tools

Workforce

Job description

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Reports to: Operations Manager

Type: Full-Time, Permanent

About Us:

Qima Patisserie & Kitchen is a pioneering concept that blends the warmth of café culture with the elegance of plated desserts and the comfort of soulful brunch and lunch dining. With a mission to redefine everyday hospitality, we operate across two London locations, delivering best-in-class guest experiences rooted in craftsmanship, quality, and detail.

Role Overview

As a Cafe Manager, you will lead one of Qima Café’s sites, ensuring operational excellence, team success, and exceptional guest experiences. You will be the on-the-ground leader responsible for your café's performance—bringing to life Qima’s vision while maintaining a welcoming, efficient, and standards-driven environment. This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who thrives in premium, high-volume café or boutique restaurant settings and is passionate about service, coffee, and food culture.

Key Responsibilities

1. Daily Operations & Floor Leadership

• Lead all day-to-day operations including opening/closing, floor management, and service flow.
• Maintain a strong presence during trading hours, particularly peak periods, to support teams and proactively solve issues.
• Ensure all SOPs, checklists, and service protocols are followed consistently.

2. Scheduling, Rota & Workforce Planning

• Create and manage staff schedules using Workforce, aligning labour with forecasted sales and peak trading times.
• Ensure optimal staff coverage, adapting schedules as needed for holidays, absences, and service needs.
• Recruit, onboard, train, and retain a high-performing FOH and barista team.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching sessions, and team meetings to align on goals and service expectations.
• Foster a positive, inclusive team culture with high morale and strong accountability.

4. Guest Experience & Brand Delivery

• Champion Qima’s hospitality values through personalised, thoughtful service and a warm guest atmosphere.
• Oversee the consistent execution of plated desserts, brunch/lunch service, and takeaway offerings.
• Monitor guest feedback and resolve complaints with care and professionalism.

5. Compliance, Safety & Standards

• Ensure food hygiene, health & safety, and site compliance protocols are strictly followed.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date site documentation (HACCP logs, incident reports, audits).
• Lead internal audits and implement corrective actions where needed.

6. Product Execution & Coordination

• Ensure smooth kitchen/FOH coordination, especially for ticket flow and presentation during plated dessert and brunch services.
• Support new menu launches, promotions, and seasonal service transitions.
• 3–5 years of experience in café, casual dining, or boutique restaurant management.
• Experience managing staff rotas using Workforce or similar platforms.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Operational knowledge of P&L, stock control, and service flow.
• Passion for hospitality, coffee, and food quality.
• Availability across mornings, weekends, and peak trading times
• Experience in patisserie or plated dessert service.
• Familiarity with premium coffee programs or brunch service.
• Exposure to cost and labour management in a high-volume, high-standard setting.
• Competitive compensation
• Pension scheme with employer contributions
• Cycle to work Scheme
• Opportunities for internal growth and career development