Cafe & Boutique Manager

About Us:

We are a new and exciting company bringing a fresh approach to the world of chocolate and pastry. Opening February 2025 in Chelsea, MAKERS is a luxury dessert and coffee shop that redefines indulgence by offering dairy-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free artisanal chocolates, rustic chic pastries, soft serve and more crafted from the finest whole, all-natural, and clean ingredients. We are dedicated to delivering an unparalleled sensory indulgence and old school luxury hospitality with the utmost commitment to taste, health, quality and outstanding customer experience.

Cafe & Boutique Manager:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Cafe & Boutique Manager to lead the pre-opening set up and day-to-day operations of MAKERS first store. This pivotal role involves working directly with the Founder to build the operational foundation of the business, hire and lead an all-star front-of-house team, and ensure the delivery of exceptional quality and service. This role offers a rare opportunity to shape a new luxury brand from the ground up, creating a welcoming and warm environment in Chelsea where guests feel like family, the hospitality is impeccable and heartfelt, and the team is inspired to bring their best every day. If youre ready to lead with excellence and thrive in hands-on operations, wed love to hear from you!

Location: Chelsea - South West London

Salary: £45,000 per annum

Start Date: ASAP

Pre-Opening Responsibilities

• Operational Set-Up: Partner with the Founder to implement operational systems, including EPOS, inventory management, and rota/scheduling tools, while establishing workflows and SOPs tailored to MAKERS luxury standards.
• Supply Chain Development: Identify, onboard, and negotiate with suppliers to secure premium-quality ingredients and ensure alignment with brand values.
• Team Recruitment & Training: Recruit and train a high-performing front-of-house team, instilling MAKERS values and delivering outstanding customer service from day one.
• Health and Safety Compliance: Develop and implement health, safety, and food hygiene protocols, ensuring compliance with UK regulations. Register the food business with the local council and establish an incident reporting system to support ongoing improvement.
• Customer Experience Design: Create and implement a seamless customer journey, focusing on ambiance, product merchandising, and service protocols.
• Financial Preparation: Collaborate with the Founder on budgets, forecasts, and KPI development to establish a foundation for profitability.
• Community Engagement and Local Outreach: Organise pre-opening events and a soft opening to generate excitement and build local anticipation, while fostering relationships with nearby businesses, community leaders, and influencers to establish strong neighbourhood support.

Post-Opening Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Lead, train, and inspire the front-of-house team, ensuring consistent delivery of MAKERS ethos and customer service excellence.
• Health and Safety Management: Ensure health, safety, and food hygiene protocols are consistently followed, setting up an incident reporting system for continuous improvement.
• Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess operations, gather customer feedback, and stay ahead of industry trends to identify opportunities for innovation and growth.
• Store Operations: Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, product quality, and customer service while optimising workflows for operational efficiency.
• Financial Accountability: Own the stores P&L, tracking budgets, monitoring costs, KPIs, and driving strategies to improve profitability.
• Inventory & Supply Chain: Oversee inventory management, ensuring timely restocking and minimising waste by aligning stock levels with demand.

Key Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum 3-4 years in a management role within high-end F&B or luxury retail, with a strong focus on customer-centric operations.
• Skills: Proven expertise in EPOS systems, inventory management, financial accountability, and team leadership.
• Attributes: Warm, genuine, heartfelt, and customer-focused; entrepreneurial and proactive; detail-oriented, adaptable, and committed to excellence.

What We Offer:

• A leadership role in shaping a luxury brand from its inception in one of Londons most prestigious neighbourhoods, working directly with the founder
• Competitive salary
• A dynamic and supportive work environment
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Shop discounts
• Long service rewards

If you feel that you have the experience and skills to join our team then apply by forwarding your up to date CV together with a covering letter to the link below.