Cafe Manager for LGBTQ+ Centre in Brighton

Are you passionate about food and drink, community, and creating a welcoming atmosphere?

We are looking for a friendly and dynamic Cafe Manager to join our fantastic team. As the Cafe Manager, you will be at the heart of our cafe, which in turn is at the heart of our LGBTQ+ Centre in central Brighton, driving our mission to provide an exceptional experience for each and every customer.

We are currently upgrading our cafe, and working with Andrew and Claire Bowen (Authors of "The Daily Grind" Number 1 Amazon bestseller.cafesuccesshub.com/) to raise our game. Our new Cafe Manager will be working with them, and us, to realise the enormous potential that they have identified, and then seeing the plans through and building on them.

A really unique opportunity to kickstart an exciting new community space for the largest LGBTQ+ (as a proportion of the adult population) community in the UK, and to help make The Ledward Centre sustainable.

You will manage the daily operations of the cafe, ensuring that our team, including volunteers, is motivated and that our customers leave with a smile. You will be involved for the month before we reopen, (Your anticipated start date early March) and integral to the development of the food and drink offer, training the team, and involved with planning events, cultivating a space where friends can gather and, just as importantly,where we can bring people together to make friends.

You will be responsible for everything from overseeing staff training and development to managing stock and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. We offer more than coffee and cake! And you will be developing our menu, and preparing and cooking food, as well as training the team how to prepare menu items.

You will be an integral part of the Centre Management Team, reporting to The Centre Manager

You will also get to connect with our customers, gather feedback, and bring new ideas to the table to keep our offerings fresh and exciting. If you thrive in a lively environment, have a talent for leadership, and love building relationships with people, we want to hear from you! Join us in making our cafe a cherished destination in the community.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the cafe to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow.
• Manage and train cafe staff, ensuring exceptional customer service standards are met.
• Develop and implement creative menu ideas and seasonal offerings based on customer feedback and trends. Work hands on in the kitchen.
• Monitor stock levels, place orders, and manage supplier relationships to ensure quality ingredients are always available.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and hygiene regulations at all times.
• Create and maintain a welcoming environment for customers, addressing any concerns with a friendly demeanor.
• Manage financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting on profits and losses.

Requirements

• Proven experience in cafe management or a similar role within the hospitality industry, including in a kitchen. Level 3 Food Safety Certificate (OR willing to obtain)
• Experience with MerryChef, or similar, ovens (OR willing to do a 1 day course with MerryChef.merrychef.com/)
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
• Excellent customer service skills and a passion for creating memorable experiences.
• Ability to manage stock and understand cost control methods.
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with customers and staff.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays.