At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead two vibrant cafés, ensuring smooth operations and exceptional customer service.
- Company: Join Luminary Bakery, a social enterprise empowering women through baking.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to build a new café team at Kings Cross.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that creates opportunities for women in need.
- Qualifications: Experience in café management and a passion for team development required.
The predicted salary is between 16.5 - 16.5 £ per hour.
Location: Working across two cafe sites: Kings Cross Pancras Square NC1 and Stoke Newington N16
Direct Reports
- Kings Cross - x2 Shift Leads
- Stoke Newington - Assistant Cafe Manager, Shift Lead
Hours: Full time 40 hours per week, usually Monday to Friday (working 3 days at NC1, and 2 days at N16)
Shifts: Usually 07:00 - 15:00 (NC1) and 07:30 - 15:30 (N16)
Salary: £34,320 per annum (paid hourly at £16.50ph) + Additional Apprentice Responsibility Payment when hosting Apprentices
*PLEASE NOTE: Kings Cross Pancras Square will be a new site opening, and we will be recruiting a new cafe team.
The appointed Senior Cafe Manager will be involved in hiring their team.
Why Work With Luminary Bakery?
Luminary Bakery is a social enterprise using baking as a tool to empower women and build community.
By joining our team, you’ll be part of something bigger than bread – you’ll be helping us grow a sustainable business that creates opportunities for women who’ve experienced social and economic disadvantage.
Your Role
As Senior Café Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the overall success of the cafés by leading the team, overseeing day-to-day operations, and maintaining high standards of customer service, operational efficiency, and health & safety.
You will create a positive and professional environment, driving performance and fostering growth within your team while supporting the larger mission of Luminary Bakery.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Café Operations & KPI Management
- Oversee the smooth and efficient daily operations of the cafés.
- Monitor and track sales against agreed targets.
- Provide monthly performance data analysis, identifying areas for improvement and suggesting actionable solutions.
- Utilise the Weekly Cafe Tracker to ensure performance is on track and targets are met.
- Stock Management
- Manage ordering and stock replenishment to maintain optimal supply levels while minimising waste.
- Conduct regular stock checks to maintain par levels and stock on hand, to support ordering procedures and cost control.
- Implement and oversee stock rotation procedures to maintain product quality and reduce spoilage.
- Team Training & Development
- Lead the training and development of new and existing team members, ensuring they are equipped with the skills needed to succeed.
- Supervise Apprentices in the Luminary Programme, providing guidance and support for their growth.
- Conduct regular one-to-one meetings with team members, offering feedback, encouragement, and developmental guidance.
- Staffing & Scheduling
- Ensure staff schedules align with approved rota templates.
- Collaborate with HR to address staffing gaps, including overseeing recruitment, conducting interviews, and managing onboarding processes.
- Preparing staff schedules bearing in mind contracted hours and staff availability, facilitating shift swaps.
- Operational Excellence
- Continuously optimise café operations, ensuring all processes align with Luminary policies and standards.
- Regularly monitor and review product quality, verifying that recipes are followed and maintaining consistent high standards.
- Health & Safety Compliance
- Maintain a 5-star Food Hygiene Rating by strictly enforcing food hygiene and allergen policies.
- Ensure Health & Safety excellence through risk assessments and ongoing staff training.
- Ensure the café team adheres to cleaning schedules, including daily, weekly and deep cleaning rotas.
- Customer Experience & Team Culture
- Foster a culture of professionalism, exceptional customer service, and teamwork within the café.
- Lead by example in your personal appearance, communication, and overall professionalism.
- Promote a positive, welcoming atmosphere for both staff and customers, ensuring an excellent café experience.
- Administrative Responsibilities
- Oversee the implementation of work experience initiatives, ensuring smooth execution and positive outcomes for all involved.
- Facilitate seamless cross-department collaboration and operational harmony.
- Equipment & Compliance Training
- Train the team on proper handling and maintenance of café equipment.
- Ensure compliance with internal and regulatory standards regarding equipment use and safety.
- Supporting the Bigger Picture
- Actively contribute to Luminary Bakery’s broader business and charity goals, supporting its mission and helping drive its success.
- JOB REQUIREMENTS AND ABILITIES
- Proven experience in café or hospitality management, with a focus on operational excellence and team development.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
- Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication skills, both with customers and team members.
- A passion for delivering outstanding customer service and maintaining high standards of café operations.
- Flexibility to work weekends and adjust to changing schedules.
- Committed to upholding Luminary Bakery’s values and mission.
Senior Café Manager [New Opening] in London employer: Luminary Bakery
Luminary Women is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering women who have faced multiple disadvantages, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture in Camden. As a Training Coordinator, you will benefit from a collaborative environment that prioritises personal growth and professional development, alongside the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community. With a focus on trauma-informed practices and a commitment to employee wellbeing, Luminary Women stands out as a rewarding place to work for those passionate about social change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Café Manager [New Opening] in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Luminary Bakery. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Luminary Bakery
Don't be shy about reaching out to Luminary Bakery directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Café Manager [New Opening] in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Luminary Bakery and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Luminary Bakery
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
