Cafe Manager

Location: Caulfield South, Melbourne VIC
Employment Type: Full-Time

We're looking for a passionate hospitality leader who believes great cafés are built on exceptional people, genuine service, and memorable experiences.

This isn't just another management position—it's an opportunity to take ownership of a thriving local café, inspire a talented team, and create a welcoming space that customers choose to return to every day.

You'll have the autonomy to lead from the front, influence the culture of the business, and make a real impact on operational performance. Whether it's mentoring future hospitality stars, delivering consistently outstanding service, or finding smarter ways to improve the business, your ideas and leadership will be valued.

If you're someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, loves developing people, enjoys building relationships with regular customers, and takes pride in running an exceptional café, we'd love to meet you.

Join a business where quality matters, teamwork comes first, and your contribution genuinely makes a difference.

As Café Manager, you'll be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the café while leading and developing a motivated team. You'll ensure smooth service, maintain high operational standards, and drive business performance through strong leadership and effective management.

• Lead, coach, and develop the café team.

• Manage daily café operations and ensure exceptional customer service.

• Oversee opening and closing procedures.

• Rostering, payroll preparation, and labour cost management.

• Recruit, onboard, and train new team members.

• Maintain food safety, hygiene, and workplace health & safety standards.

• Monitor stock levels, ordering, and supplier relationships.

• Control food and beverage costs and minimise wastage.

• Ensure café presentation and cleanliness meet company standards.

• Handle customer feedback professionally and resolve issues promptly.

• Monitor sales performance and work towards achieving business KPIs.

• Work closely with senior management to implement operational improvements.

You'll be a confident leader with a genuine passion for hospitality and people.

• Minimum 2 years' experience managing a busy café, restaurant, or hospitality venue.

• Strong leadership and team development skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

• Experience with rostering and labour cost management.

• Sound understanding of food safety and WHS requirements.

• Strong organisational and time management skills.

• Ability to remain calm and make decisions under pressure.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

• Current Australian working rights.

• Food Safety Supervisor Certificate.

• Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) (if applicable).

• Experience using POS and rostering systems such as Deputy, Square, Lightspeed, or similar.

• Barista experience.

• Competitive salary based on experience.

• Performance incentives and career progression opportunities.

• Supportive ownership and positive workplace culture.

• Ongoing leadership and professional development.

• Staff discounts and team recognition programs.

• Opportunity to make a real impact in a growing business.

If you're passionate about hospitality and want to lead a café where people, quality, and community come first, we'd love to hear from you.

Please submit your resume together with a short cover letter outlining your experience and why you're the right fit for this role.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so apply today.