Cafe Manager

Lily Eatery is a well-established Auckland café business with locations in Devonport. We are passionate about creating exceptional customer experiences through outstanding coffee, freshly prepared food, and genuine hospitality. Everything we do is guided by our philosophy of simple things made well, and we have built a strong reputation within our local communities for quality, consistency, and service excellence.

Due to continued business growth and increasing operational requirements across our café operations, we are seeking an experienced and motivated Cafe Manager to lead our team and oversee the day-to-day management of our café business.

The Cafe Manager will be responsible for the overall operation and performance of the café, ensuring exceptional customer service, efficient business operations, strong financial performance, and effective team leadership. This is a permanent full-time position and you are required to work at least 40 hours per week between Monday to Sunday.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, organise, direct and coordinate the daily operations of the café.
• Develop and implement operational procedures to ensure consistent service quality and operational efficiency.
• Manage café staff, including recruitment, onboarding, training, rostering, supervision and performance management.
• Monitor labour costs and staffing levels to ensure business profitability while maintaining service standards.
• Oversee food and beverage quality, presentation and service delivery.
• Maintain high standards of customer service and resolve customer concerns professionally and efficiently.
• Monitor sales performance and implement initiatives to increase revenue and customer engagement.
• Manage inventory levels, stock ordering, supplier relationships and cost control measures.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, health and safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare operational reports and provide recommendations to ownership regarding business performance and improvement opportunities.
• Coordinate promotional activities, community engagement initiatives and local marketing campaigns.
• Work closely with kitchen and front-of-house teams to maintain a positive and productive workplace culture.

Skills and Experience Required

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• At least two years of relevant management experience in a café, restaurant or hospitality environment. OR
• A relevant hospitality qualification at NZQA Level 4 level
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Demonstrated experience managing staff rosters, labour costs and operational budgets.
• Excellent customer service and relationship management skills.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Sound understanding of food safety and health and safety compliance requirements.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with inventory management, supplier coordination and cost control.
• A proactive and hands-on management approach.