Senior Café Manager [New Opening]

Luminary Bakery; Greater London; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Luminary Bakery in London is seeking a Senior Café Manager to lead our two London cafés (Kings Cross Pancras Square NC1 and Stoke Newington N16). You will oversee daily operations, drive sales, and ensure top standards of service, quality and safety.

You will develop your team, manage scheduling, stock, and café performance data, while supporting Luminary's mission to empower women and run a sustainable social enterprise.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in café or hospitality management.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the smooth daily operations of two London cafes.
• Monitor sales against targets and drive performance improvements.
• Provide monthly performance data analysis and actionable insights.
• Lead staff scheduling and recruitment in collaboration with HR.
• Maintain health, safety and hygiene standards at all times.

Skills

Cafe management

Team leadership

Customer service

Staff development

Operations management

Communication

Job description

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

Direct Reports:

• 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)

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

• 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.
• Taking ownership of coordinating with the Bakery team on corporate catering orders at Kings Cross, ensuring orders (i.e sandwiches, platters or bundles) are made and packed on schedule, and ensuring they are delivered in a timely manner.

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.

*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.

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.