Cafe Manager

QT Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 45,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

QT Singapore is hiring a Café Manager to support the Restaurant Manager in daily hotel café operations. You will oversee service delivery, barista performance, and product quality, ensuring high hospitality standards.

You will lead SOPs, staff scheduling, training, inventory, and safety compliance while driving revenue through menu development and promotions.

Qualifications

• Certified food hygiene knowledge and hospitality background.
• Minimum two years as assistant cafe manager or equivalent.
• Strong hospitality standards and guest service orientation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain SOPs for daytime cafe service.
• Lead the specialty coffee programme and signature beverages.
• Uphold daytime service standards for quality, efficiency and guest satisfaction.
• Plan manpower based on sales trends and hotel occupancy.
• Maintain an active presence on the floor, engaging with guests.
• Collaborate with restaurant and bar teams on coffee pairings and upselling.
• Provide on-floor leadership and support when senior staff are unavailable.

Skills

Staff supervision

Guest relations

Team leadership

Communication

Operational planning

Education

GCE 'O' Level / NITEC or equivalent

WSQ Basic Food Hygiene certification

Job description

The Scope:

The Café Manager supports the Restaurant Manager in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations of the hotel café. This role oversees service delivery, barista performance, and product quality, maintaining high standards of hospitality at all times. Responsibilities include supervising staff, scheduling shifts, managing inventory, and ensuring compliance with hygiene and safety regulations.

The Café Manager also supports training and development, motivates the team to achieve sales and service goals, and ensures consistency in guest experiences. Working closely with the Restaurant Manager, the role contributes to menu development, cost control, and promotional activities. A hands‑on presence on the floor is essential to drive service excellence, resolve guest concerns promptly, and build strong rapport with both team members and guests.

Job Responsibilities:

Café Operations Management

• Develop and maintain SOPs for daytime café service, ensuring consistency across all operations.
• Lead the specialty coffee programme, creating signature beverages to enhance both café and restaurant offerings while aligning with brand identity.
• Uphold consistent daytime service standards to deliver quality, efficiency, and guest satisfaction, including breakfast service for hotel guests.
• Continuously refine layout, workflow, and processes to improve efficiency and guest flow during peak hours.
• Plan manpower requirements based on sales trends and hotel occupancy, ensuring optimal staffing levels.
• Maintain an active presence on the floor, engaging with guests to elevate experiences, build relationships, and foster loyalty.
• Collaborate with restaurant and bar teams to design coffee pairings, light menu offerings, and upselling opportunities.
• Demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, and high standards as a role model for the team.
• Where operationally required, provide occasional support to restaurant operations, includingassisting with day-to-day oversight when key management personnel are unavailable

Training and Team Development

• Provide structured training in brewing methods, latte art, service excellence, and upselling techniques.
• Support the café team in building expertise in specialty coffee and hotel breakfast service.
• Leverage supplier workshops, tastings, and certifications to enhance team knowledge and skills.
• Mentor senior team members, coaching them towards leadership responsibilities.
• Encourage creativity and pride by inviting team input on new service ideas and practices.

Sales Growth and Revenue

• Drive revenue through menu optimisation, seasonal specials, and bundled offerings.
• Implement upselling techniques across service touchpoints, including coffee, food pairings, and takeaway items.
• Support execution of the café’s commercial strategy in alignment with business goals.
• Use guest insights and sales data to refine offerings, pricing, and promotions.
• Partner with marketing to deliver activations that attract new guests and encourage repeat visits.
• Monitor café performance, preparing reports and improvement plans for the Restaurant Manager.

Guest Relations and Experience

• Deliver exceptional guest experiences through personalised service and coffee education.
• Support seamless hotel breakfast service while engaging with guests to understand preferences.
• Build authentic relationships with regulars to foster loyalty and a welcoming community.
• Ensure service consistency, product quality, and a warm, inviting café environment.

Menu and Product Development

• Collaborate with chefs, baristas, and suppliers to create unique coffee beverages, seasonal specials, and light menu items.
• Ensure recipes, brewing methods, and presentations are consistently documented and executed.
• Maintain strict quality control to uphold brand and service standards.
• Keep recipe cards and preparation guides updated, communicating changes effectively to the team.

Leadership and Team Culture

• Lead by example, showing professionalism, creativity, and composure under pressure.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive team culture.
• Address conflicts constructively, escalating to the Restaurant Manager when necessary.
• Recognise achievements, celebrate contributions, and motivate the team toward excellence.

Financial Acumen

• Monitor COGS, labour, and inventory to ensure profitability and financial targets are met.
• Analyse café performance and support strategies to optimise revenue and efficiency.
• Contribute to menu pricing, promotional activities, and cost management decisions.
• Collaborate with the Restaurant Manager on budgeting, expense tracking, and financial planning.

Strategic Improvements and Innovation

• Work with management to review SOPs, systems, and guest feedback for continuous improvement.
• Balance guest satisfaction, efficiency, and revenue when implementing changes.
• Plan and execute café promotions, workshops, and activations to strengthen brand identity.
• Stay engaged with industry trends and specialty coffee communities to maintain leadership in quality.
• Introduce new brewing methods, seasonal launches, and signature beverages to drive innovation and guest excitement.

Qualification:

• Minimum GCE 'O' Level, NITEC, Higher NITEC or equivalent
• Valid WSQ Basic Food Hygiene certification

Experience:

• At least 2 years working experience as an assistant cafe manager
• Have a high standard of hospitality and service standard

Key Competencies:

• Able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Establish rapport easily
• Great organizational skills with the ability to multi-task
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proven objection handling, prospecting and negotiation skills.
• Reliable, focused, and detail-oriented