Café Manager – Hands-On Senior FOH Role

The Pantry on Egmont | Full-Time | $80,000 + super + bonuses

Following more than 2.5 years with The Pantry on Egmont, our current Café Manager, Tarun, is moving on to his next chapter.

We are now looking for an experienced hospitality professional to step into this important role and become part of our team.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced 2IC, FOH Supervisor or Head Barista who is ready to step up into management, as well as an experienced Café Manager looking for a hands-on role in an established business.

The successful applicant will be a highly visible and hands-on part of our daily service — working alongside the team, looking after guests, making coffee and leading by example.

With a small and experienced team, there is relatively little traditional staff management or administration. The focus is on great service, strong coffee, team leadership and ensuring the café runs smoothly every day, with some assistance with general administration tasks as required.

You will be responsible for helping maintain the high standards and guest experience that The Pantry on Egmont is known for.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and supporting the FOH team during service

• Working hands-on as a senior waiter and skilled barista

• Maintaining consistently high standards of coffee, service and presentation

• Training and mentoring team members

• Opening and closing the café

• Ensuring our service systems and procedures are followed

• Building strong relationships with our regular guests

• Handling guest feedback and resolving issues professionally

• Assisting with staff rostering, availability and shift coverage

• Monitoring FOH stock and placing orders as required

• Working closely with the owner and kitchen team

• Assisting with catering, events and occasional evening functions

• Assisting with social media, marketing and content where required

• Assisting with general administration tasks as required

• Looking for opportunities to improve the business and bringing ideas to the owner

We are looking for someone who genuinely enjoys being on the floor and part of the action.

You will ideally have previous management or supervisory experience, however we are very open to the right 2IC, FOH Supervisor or Head Barista who is ready to take the next step.

Most importantly, you must have:

• Strong, demonstrated barista skills

• Significant experience working in a busy café or hospitality environment

• The ability to confidently work the coffee machine during busy service

• Strong FOH and customer service skills

• The ability to lead by example and remain calm under pressure

We are looking for someone who is:

• Positive, friendly and approachable

• Confident and organised

• A strong communicator

• Passionate about hospitality and great coffee

• Naturally proactive and willing to take responsibility

• Comfortable leading a team while still being very hands-on

• Interested in building genuine relationships with guests

• Looking for a long-term opportunity rather than simply their next job

Both Saturday and Sunday availability is essential, and the successful applicant will be comfortable working a set roster.

$80,000 + super + bonuses

Salary negotiable depending on experience and skillset.

• Full-time position

• Daytime hours, with occasional night-time catering/events

• No split shifts

• Set and consistent roster

• Staff meals

• Easy free parking

• Supportive and respectful workplace

• Small, experienced and close-knit team

• Well-established systems and procedures

• Opportunity to have genuine input into the continued development of the business

The Pantry on Egmont is an established suburban café with a strong reputation for great food, coffee and genuine hospitality.

I’m Silas, the owner, and I’ve been working in hospitality for more than 20 years. I take our workplace culture seriously and have worked hard to build a team environment that is respectful, supportive and enjoyable.

Our current manager Tarun has been an important part of that team for more than 2.5 years. While we're sorry to see him move on, his length of service is something we're proud of and is a reflection of the type of long-term working relationship we want to build with our next manager.

We’re looking for someone who wants to become an important part of The Pantry on Egmont — someone who will take ownership, contribute ideas, support the team and help us continue to improve.

This is a hands-on role and strong barista skills are essential.

Applicants without significant café/hospitality experience and confident, independent barista skills will not be considered.

If you’re an experienced hospitality professional, love great coffee and are ready to take the next step into a leadership role, we’d love to hear from you.

Please apply with your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you think you would be a good fit for The Pantry on Egmont.

📩 Applications: *****@thepantry.net.au

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted regarding an interview.