At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily café operations, manage staff, and ensure exceptional guest experiences.
- Company: Qima Patisserie & Kitchen redefines hospitality with a unique blend of café culture and elegant dining.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, a pension scheme, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Ideal for those who thrive in high-volume settings and love creating memorable guest experiences.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team passionate about coffee and food culture in a dynamic café environment.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in café or restaurant management; strong leadership and operational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Title: Cafe Manager – Qima Café (Site-Level)
Reports to: Operations Manager
Location: London (One of Two Café Locations)
Type: Full-Time, Permanent
About Us:
Qima Patisserie & Kitchen is a pioneering concept that blends the warmth of café culture with the elegance of plated desserts and the comfort of soulful brunch and lunch dining. With a mission to redefine everyday hospitality, we operate across two London locations, delivering best-in-class guest experiences rooted in craftsmanship, quality, and detail.
Role Overview
As a Cafe Manager, you will lead one of Qima Café’s sites, ensuring operational excellence, team success, and exceptional guest experiences. You will be the on-the-ground leader responsible for your café\'s performance—bringing to life Qima’s vision while maintaining a welcoming, efficient, and standards-driven environment. This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who thrives in premium, high-volume café or boutique restaurant settings and is passionate about service, coffee, and food culture.
Key Responsibilities
1. Daily Operations & Floor Leadership
- Lead all day-to-day operations including opening/closing, floor management, and service flow.
- Maintain a strong presence during trading hours, particularly peak periods, to support teams and proactively solve issues.
- Ensure all SOPs, checklists, and service protocols are followed consistently.
2. Scheduling, Rota & Workforce Planning
- Create and manage staff schedules using Workforce, aligning labour with forecasted sales and peak trading times.
- Ensure optimal staff coverage, adapting schedules as needed for holidays, absences, and service needs.
3. Team Leadership & Development
- Recruit, onboard, train, and retain a high-performing FOH and barista team.
- Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching sessions, and team meetings to align on goals and service expectations.
- Foster a positive, inclusive team culture with high morale and strong accountability.
4. Guest Experience & Brand Delivery
- Champion Qima’s hospitality values through personalised, thoughtful service and a warm guest atmosphere.
- Oversee the consistent execution of plated desserts, brunch/lunch service, and takeaway offerings.
- Monitor guest feedback and resolve complaints with care and professionalism.
5. Compliance, Safety & Standards
- Ensure food hygiene, health & safety, and site compliance protocols are strictly followed.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date site documentation (HACCP logs, incident reports, audits).
- Lead internal audits and implement corrective actions where needed.
6. Product Execution & Coordination
- Ensure smooth kitchen/FOH coordination, especially for ticket flow and presentation during plated dessert and brunch services.
- Support new menu launches, promotions, and seasonal service transitions.
Essential
- 3–5 years of experience in café, casual dining, or boutique restaurant management.
- Experience managing staff rotas using Workforce or similar platforms.
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Operational knowledge of P&L, stock control, and service flow.
- Passion for hospitality, coffee, and food quality.
- Availability across mornings, weekends, and peak trading times
Desirable
- Experience in patisserie or plated dessert service.
- Familiarity with premium coffee programs or brunch service.
- Exposure to cost and labour management in a high-volume, high-standard setting.
Benefits:
- Competitive compensation
- Pension scheme with employer contributions
- Free staff meals during shifts
- Cycle to work Scheme
- Opportunities for internal growth and career development
- Employee discounts and other perks
General Manager in Slough employer: Qima Café
At Qima Patisserie & Kitchen, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values our team members as much as our guests. Located in the vibrant heart of London, we offer a dynamic work culture that fosters personal and professional growth, with competitive compensation, a pension scheme, and free staff meals. Join us to lead a passionate team in delivering outstanding hospitality while enjoying unique opportunities for career advancement in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in Slough
✨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 Qima Café. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Qima Café
Don't be shy about reaching out to Qima Café 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 General Manager in Slough
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 Qima Café 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 Qima Café
✨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!
