Cafe Manager

don luciano cafe; Wellington; On-site; NZD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Don Luciano Café and Catering Ltd in Masterton is seeking an experienced Café Manager to oversee daily operations, supervise staff, manage rosters, stock, and ordering, and maintain food safety standards. The role requires at least 2 years of hospitality or customer service experience or a relevant qualification, plus strong leadership and communication skills.

The successful candidate will lead a busy team, ensure outstanding customer service, and drive business growth, including weekend and

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of hospitality or customer service experience, or a relevant certificate or higher qualification
• Strong leadership and team-management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication and a passion for customer service

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily café operations and customer service
• Coordinate staff rosters and supervise performance
• Manage stock levels and ordering with suppliers
• Ensure food safety, health and safety standards are met
• Develop menus with owner and chefs to maintain quality
• Support policies to improve café operations and profitability

Skills

Hospitality experience

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Problem solving

Budgeting

Stock management

Time management

Organisational skills

Weekend availability

Education

Certificate in tourism/hospitality

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Don Luciano Café and Catering in Masterton is seeking an experienced Café Manager to lead daily operations and deliver outstanding customer service. The successful candidate will supervise and develop staff, manage rosters, stock and ordering, maintain food safety standards, and support business growth. Applicants need at least 2 years’ relevant hospitality/customer service experience or a relevant Certificate or higher qualification. Weekend and public holiday availability required. $30–$35/hour, 30–40 hours/week.

Café Manager

Don Luciano Café and Catering Ltd

9 King Street, Masterton, Wellington

Full Time | 30–40 hours per week

$30–$35 per hour

About the Role

Don Luciano Café and Catering is a vibrant and well-established café and coffee roastery located in Masterton, Wairarapa. Known for our house-roasted Gracias coffee, quality food and commitment to gratitude and kindness, we are looking for an experienced and motivated Café Manager to join our team.

The Café Manager will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the café, leading and supporting our team, maintaining high standards of customer service, food quality, health and safety, stock control and overall presentation.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about hospitality, enjoys working with people and has the leadership skills to help a busy café continue to grow.

About You

Ideally, you will have:

• At least 2 years of relevant hospitality or customer service experience , or a Certificate or higher qualification in tourism, hospitality or a relevant industry
• Strong leadership and team-management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A genuine passion for food, coffee and outstanding customer service
• The ability to remain calm, organised and efficient in a high-paced environment
• Good decision-making and problem-solving skills
• The ability to delegate, motivate and develop team members
• An understanding of budgeting and stock management
• Excellent time-management and organisational skills
• Initiative, creativity and the ability to think quickly
• A positive attitude and willingness to embrace change
• A professional presentation and high standard of personal hygiene
• Honesty, reliability and a strong work ethic
• Flexibility to work weekends and public holidays
• A clean criminal record and ability to pass drug testing

Key Responsibilities

As Café Manager, you will help organise, control and coordinate the daily operations of the café, including:

Café Operations & Customer Service

• Deliver consistently excellent customer service and food and beverage experiences
• Greet customers and handle reservations, enquiries and complaints professionally
• Coordinate café staff to ensure smooth daily operations
• Ensure company standards, policies and procedures are followed
• Maintain a safe, professional and welcoming environment

Team Leadership

• Prepare staff rosters according to operational requirements
• Monitor staff performance and assist with staff-related matters
• Train, mentor and develop new and existing team members
• Provide direction, feedback and ongoing training
• Conduct regular team meetings and encourage staff ideas and engagement
• Identify opportunities for staff development and growth

Menu & Product Development

• Work with the owner and chefs to develop and update menus
• Help maintain consistent food and beverage quality
• Contribute ideas that enhance the customer experience

Health & Safety

• Ensure compliance with applicable food safety, health and safety requirements
• Ensure health and safety information is accessible to staff
• Identify and report hazards and take appropriate action to minimise risks

Stock & Ordering

• Monitor stock levels and advise the owner when ordering is required
• Maintain effective and efficient stock ordering systems
• Coordinate with kitchen staff to ensure appropriate stock levels
• Ensure stock is properly accounted for, stored securely and maintained under appropriate food safety conditions

Business Support

• Work with the owner to improve policies, standards and procedures
• Provide recommendations to improve café operations
• Contribute ideas aimed at increasing sales, customer satisfaction and profitability
• Complete general café and administrative duties as required, including cleaning where necessary

Why Join Don Luciano?

Don Luciano is more than just a café. We are a growing local business built around quality coffee, great food, hospitality, gratitude and kindness.

If you are an experienced hospitality professional who enjoys leading a team and creating memorable customer experiences, we would love to hear from you.