At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant team in delivering exceptional café experiences and managing daily operations.
- Company: Maison Gigi, a beloved family-run French bakery with a passion for authentic flavours.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a fun, dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values creativity and customer satisfaction.
- Why this job: Join us to blend premium café culture with quick-service efficiency in a thriving atmosphere.
- Qualifications: Experience in café management and a strong understanding of specialty coffee culture.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Maison Gigi, a beloved family-run French bakery, is renowned for its exquisite patisserie, specialty coffee, and delightful grab-and-go options. Inspired by the rich traditions of regional French cuisine, we are passionate about sharing authentic flavours with our loyal customers. As we expand our QSR operation and win the trust of more catering clients, we are looking for a new shop manager in our Victoria Street branch. This is a key leadership role for someone who understands both premium café culture and quick-service efficiency.
Role Overview
The Manager will be responsible for the smooth and profitable operation of Maison Gigi. You will lead and develop the teams, maintain high standards across service and product quality, and ensure all outlets operate in line with the brand values. This role requires strong hands-on leadership, operational excellence, and an ability to adapt between a boutique café and a fast-paced QSR environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership
- Oversee day-to-day operations for Maison Gigi and Catering production
- Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality coffee, food, and guest experience
- Manage stock ordering, supplier relationships, and inventory levels
- Implement and maintain operational systems, SOPs, and hygiene standards
- Ensure compliance with all health & safety and food safety requirements
- Team Management
- Recruit, train, and coach baristas and service staff
- Lead by example with a positive, hands-on leadership style
- Create weekly rotas aligned with business needs and labour targets
- Conduct regular performance reviews and support staff development
- Customer Experience
- Maintain a warm, welcoming environment that reflects the Gigi brand
- Handle guest feedback professionally and proactively
- Ensure service speed and consistency
- Financial Accountability
- Manage budgets, labour costs, and daily sales reporting
- Drive revenue growth through upselling, product knowledge, and brand standards
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability
- Brand & Quality Standards
- Uphold Maison Gigi's premium identity and atmosphere
- Ensure fast, consistent QSR-style service without compromising quality
- Work closely with senior leadership on menu updates, staffing needs, and operational improvements
Requirements
- 23+ years experience managing a café, coffee shop, or QSR operation
- Strong knowledge of specialty coffee and café culture
- Experience managing teams of 10+ across multiple roles
- Excellent communication and people leadership skills
- Ability to operate independently and make sound decisions
- Strong organisational and time-management skills
- Confident working with budgets, rotas, and KPIs
- Positive, energetic, and solutions-focused mindset
Shop Manager employer: Chez Antoinette
At Maison Gigi, we pride ourselves on being a family-run bakery that not only serves exquisite French patisserie but also fosters a warm and inclusive work environment. As a Shop Manager in our Victoria Street branch, you will enjoy the benefits of a supportive team culture, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to lead a passionate group dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences. Join us to be part of a brand that values quality, creativity, and the joy of sharing authentic flavours with our community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shop Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the café and QSR industry. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about job openings at places like Maison Gigi.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get an interview, let your passion for premium café culture shine through. Share your experiences and how you can bring that hands-on leadership style to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job opening on our website, don’t just apply—follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and helps you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the unexpected! In a fast-paced environment like Maison Gigi, adaptability is key. Think of examples from your past roles where you successfully managed change or improved efficiency, and be ready to share them.
We think you need these skills to ace Shop Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Patisserie:When writing your application, let your love for French bakery culture shine through! Share any personal experiences or connections you have with patisserie and how they inspire you to lead a team at Maison Gigi.
Highlight Your Leadership Style:We want to know how you lead! Describe your hands-on approach and how you motivate your team. Use examples from your past experiences to show us how you create a positive work environment that aligns with our brand values.
Demonstrate Operational Excellence:Make sure to detail your experience in managing day-to-day operations. Talk about how you've implemented systems and maintained high standards in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments like QSRs.
Tailor Your Application to Us:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for Maison Gigi. Show us that you understand our brand and how you can contribute to our mission of delivering authentic French flavours.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chez Antoinette
✨Know Your Bakery Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with Maison Gigi’s menu and values. Try to visit the bakery if you can, taste the coffee and pastries, and understand what makes them special. This will help you speak passionately about the brand and show that you’re genuinely interested.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a shop manager, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in fast-paced environments. Think about specific situations where you motivated staff or improved service quality, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Demonstrate Financial Savvy
Since managing budgets and driving revenue growth are key parts of the role, brush up on your financial knowledge. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed costs, increased sales, or improved profitability in previous roles. Use numbers and results to back up your claims.
✨Prepare for Customer Experience Scenarios
Customer experience is at the heart of Maison Gigi. Think about how you would handle guest feedback or difficult situations. Prepare a few scenarios where you turned a negative experience into a positive one, showcasing your problem-solving skills and commitment to customer satisfaction.
