Job Description

The Cafe Manager will be the go-to person for the cafe: overseeing all front-of-house and back-of-house operations, ensuring the highest standard of service and product quality, managing the team, and driving business performance. This role will free the owner from day-to-day bustle so that we can scale sustainably.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Service Management

Open/close the cafe reliably, ensuring all daily procedures (SOPs) are adhered to (cleaning checklists, food safety/hygiene, cash-handling, equipment checks). Ensure the service flow (guest arrival, order taking, service, payment, departures) is smooth, welcoming and consistent. Maintain high product quality and presentation: liaise with pastry/kitchen team and baristas to ensure standards are met. Monitor and manage inventory: supplies, consumables, packaging, wastage; order from suppliers in a timely fashion. Oversee cafe environment: cleanliness, ambience, equipment maintenance, seating layout, guest comfort. Handle guest feedback, complaints and queries personally or escalate as needed; ensure guest satisfaction and retention.

Team Leadership & Culture

Recruit, train, onboard and mentor cafe team (baristas, service crew, support staff). Build a positive, inclusive team culture that aligns with our brand values: hospitality-driven, detail-oriented, friendly. Create rosters, manage manpower planning (shifts, leave, peak-time coverage) to ensure service standards while controlling labour cost. Conduct regular team meetings/huddles to communicate updates, recognise good performance, address issues. Lead by example: be visible on the floor, model service excellence, be approachable by both guests and team.

Commercial & Business Performance

Monitor cafe performance: daily/weekly sales, cost of goods sold (COGS), labour costs, wastage, margins. Work with owner to set targets and then execute action plans (e.g., upselling, promotions, seasonal specials, new product launches). Develop ideas to increase repeat business, guest spend, loyalty (e.g., add-ons, pairing suggestions, retail items). Assist in marketing/guest-engagement initiatives: social media tie-ins, events or special weekends. Maintain records and prepare reports for the owner (sales, stock, labour, guest feedback).

Quality, Compliance & Improvement

Ensure cafe complies with health & safety, food hygiene and licensing requirements. Maintain and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs); review and improve regularly. Stay abreast of cafe / F&B trends (coffee, pastries, guest experience) and propose innovation for product/service. Manage budgets for supplies, equipment, maintenance; highlight risks and opportunities.

Key Requirements & Qualifications

Minimum

2-3 years

of cafe or F&B outlet supervisory/management experience (Singapore market preferred). Strong leadership and people-management skills; able to motivate a small team and maintain service standards under pressure. Excellent guest-service mindset; good interpersonal and communication skills. Commercially minded: understands basic P&L, cost control (COGS, labour, wastage) and sales growth. Organised, proactive, with good problem-solving skills and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Knowledge of cafe operations: barista/coffee service, pastry/food presentation, inventory, supplier management. Passion for cafe culture, quality coffee & pastries, and delivering memorable guest experiences. Basic computer skills (Excel/Word, POS systems) for reporting. Food hygiene certification (e.g., WSQ Basic Food Hygiene) is preferred. Flexible schedule: weekends, public holidays.

What We Offer

Opportunity to lead and shape a growing boutique cafe with strong brand identity. Autonomy and ownership of the cafe operations. * Collaborative, friendly team environment.