Cafe Manager

Fair Shot is here to change the way people think about people with learning disabilities and/or autism in the workplace. Our mission is to level the playing field, champion diversity and give young adults with learning disabilities a Fair Shot at obtaining paid employment.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Cafe Manager to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for great coffee, excellent customer service, and the ability to lead and inspire a team. As the Cafe Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the café, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow, and creating a welcoming environment for both customers and staff.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Daily Operations Management: Oversee all daily activities, ensuring smooth operations and maintaining high standards of quality, service, and cleanliness, while accommodating the needs of all employees.
• Programme Delivery: Work closely with the Programme team and ensure the smooth programme delivery at each station to optimise the learning progress of our learners, and with an understanding of the individual development needs.
• Team Leadership & Staff Management: Hire, train, and supervise your team, ensuring the scheduling of shifts, holidays, and monitoring of performance. Provide tailored mentorship and guidance to meet the individual needs of employees, fostering an environment that is inclusive, supportive, and promotes growth.
• Role model of Fair Shot culture: Cultivate an inclusive workplace culture where all team members, regardless of their abilities, feel respected and valued. Uphold the company’s core values, ensuring they are reflected in all aspects of operations. Serve as the key point of contact for solution-driven strategies, addressing challenges efficiently and ensuring the team remains motivated, well-supported, and aligned with organisational goals.
• Enhanced sustainability of the charity: Work closely with the General Manager in reporting weekly cafe performance, focus on the development of the cafe and lead the cafe team towards our business objectives as a unique social enterprise in Covent Garden.
• Customer Service: Ensure an exceptional customer experience, handle customer concerns or complaints professionally, and build lasting relationships with regular guests.
• Inventory & Ordering: Manage inventory, stocktake, track stock levels, place orders to ensure the café runs efficiently without interruption.
• Health & Safety Compliance: Ensure the café complies to all health and safety regulations, including food handling, cleanliness standards, allergens protocols to maintain a safe and compliant environment for both staff and customers.
• Facility Maintenance: Ensure the café and equipment are maintained in good working condition and coordinate regular maintenance as needed. As the café manager, oversee key control, ensuring that key holders are properly managed and that security protocols are followed.
• Quality Control: Ensure all food and beverages meet the café’s quality standards and maintain consistency in product preparation.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Proven experience in a management role, ideally in the food and beverage or hospitality industry.
• Knowledge of inventory management, cost control, and budgeting.
• Familiarity with health and safety regulations in the food industry.
• Previous experience with POS systems and café equipment is a plus.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., food safety, barista training) are preferred.
• Working with people with learning disabilities (desired).
• Enhanced DBS check (can be obtained via the charity).

Other skills:

• A passion for coffee, food, and delivering exceptional customer service.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to create an inclusive and supportive environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a team.
• Solution-oriented mindset in face of challenges.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work well under pressure.
• Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary.
• Employee discounts on food and beverages.
• Opportunity for career growth and advancement.
• Supportive and friendly work environment.
• Disability awareness and sensitivity training provided.