Café Manager | Undercroft Foodcourt

University of Canterbury Students' Association; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the vibrant team at the Undercroft Foodcourt as a Café Manager where you will lead operations across three busy outlets. With a focus on delivering excellent service and driving profitability, you will supervise staff, manage inventories, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. The ideal candidate will have customer service expertise and team leadership experience in a fast-paced café environment.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in a fast-paced food & beverage environment required.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in team leadership.
• Strong attention to detail and food hygiene practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise Front of House staff, ensuring exceptional customer service.
• Monitor and manage inventory, ordering, and stock control.
• Develop promotional initiatives to increase customer engagement.

Skills

Customer service

Team leadership

Communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

2–5 years of on-the-job training

Job description

Café Manager | Undercroft Foodcourt

Undercroft Foodcourt Café Manager | UCSA
30 hours per week during university term time

Join our vibrant team at the Undercroft Foodcourt, home to our three busy and beloved outlets:
Burgatory – Burgers, fries, and weekly specials
El Kiosco – Nachos, tortillas, tacos, salads, burritos & more
Umami, Spice & Everything Rice – Wontons, fried rice, spring rolls, BBQ wings, bao buns

We're looking for an experienced and energetic Café Manager to lead operations, drive profitability, and deliver excellent service across all three outlets.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise Front of House staff (Crew Members, Baristas, Kitchen Assistants)
• Ensure outstanding customer service and smooth daily operations
• Field customer feedback and resolve complaints promptly
• Maintain compliance with UCSA Food Control Plan and H&S policies
• Monitor and manage inventory, ordering, and stock control
• Manage cash handling, pricing, and cost control procedures
• Develop promotional initiatives to increase customer engagement
• Roster and train staff, ensuring excellent performance and professionalism
• Contribute to continuous improvement and café goals

What We’re Looking For

• Prior experience in a fast-paced food & beverage environment
• 2–5 years of on-the-job training
• Minimum 2 years' experience in team leadership
• Excellent customer service, communication, and time management
• A hands-on leader who leads by example
• Strong attention to detail and food hygiene practices

About UCSA

Nau Mai Ki Te Rōpū Akonga ō Te Whare Wānanga ō Waitaha

Welcome to The University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA)

Established in 1894, the UCSA is a registered not-for-profit organisation that supports UC students to succeed and belong.

Our organisation is governed by an elected Student Executive, and we employ over 300 staff. Together, we dish up a range of student-focused services, including advocacy and welfare, representation, subsidised dental and optometry, early learning centres, club support, events, and media.

The UCSA commercial team manages several cafes and bars, as well as sizeable catering and events teams delivering services to students, staff, external customers and commercial partners.

How to Apply

Please apply through our careers site.

Please note we will be reviewing applications as they are received and we reserve the right to appoint a suitable candidate before the application closing date.