Café Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the bustling world of hospitality, the role of a Café Manager has never been more pivotal.

As café culture continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can cultivate, manage, and enhance our café experiences grows stronger.

But what exactly does a Café Manager do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker keen to understand the depths of this role,
• A business owner outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the dynamics of café management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Café Manager job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Café Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Café Managers oversee all aspects of running a café, including managing staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining a high standard of food and drink.

They play a critical role in the success of the café, and have a broad range of duties and responsibilities, which include:

• Hire, train, and supervise café staff, ensuring they provide excellent customer service
• Manage café inventory, including food, drinks and supplies, and place orders when necessary
• Maintain health and safety standards in the café, including food safety standards
• Develop and implement café policies and procedures to improve efficiency and customer experience
• Design and update menus, taking into account customer preferences and cost
• Handle administrative tasks, including staff schedules, budgeting, and financial reporting
• Address customer complaints and feedback, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction
• Oversee café aesthetics and ambiance, ensuring it is consistent with brand image
• Implement marketing and promotional activities to attract more customers
• Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations related to food service establishments

 

Café Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a professional and customer-focused Café Manager to oversee our café operations.

The Café Manager responsibilities include scheduling shifts for baristas and wait staff, monitoring daily expenses and revenues, and ordering supplies like coffee, milk, and snacks, as needed.

Our ideal candidate has a sound knowledge of coffee varieties and the coffee brewing process, excellent customer service skills, and has experience managing a team.

A proven track record in the hospitality industry and a good understanding of bookkeeping is also advantageous.

Ultimately, the Café Manager will help increase profitability, boost customer engagement and turn our café into a favorite local spot.

 

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day café operations and staff schedules
• Monitor and manage café inventory
• Ensure customer satisfaction by handling complaints and queries professionally
• Train new employees on drink preparation and proper use of coffee equipment
• Coordinate with vendors and order supplies, as needed
• Manage cash and card transactions, ensuring all accounts balance at the end of the day
• Maintain health and safety regulations within the café
• Develop and implement marketing strategies to attract customers
• Review and evaluate staff performance
• Organize and supervise shifts

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Café Manager or similar role in the hospitality industry
• Experience in customer service management
• Good knowledge of various coffee types and brewing procedures
• Barista certification is a plus
• Basic bookkeeping skills
• Flexibility to work during peak hours, including weekends and holidays
• Positive attitude and excellent communication skills
• Diploma in hospitality management or relevant field is a plus

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Café Manager
• Work Environment: This position operates in a bustling café environment. Weekend, holiday and evening work is regularly required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Café Owner or a designated Operations Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Café Manager Do?

A Café Manager is a key professional in the food and beverage industry who oversees the operations of a café or coffee shop.

They primarily ensure that the café operates efficiently and profitably while maintaining its reputation and ethos.

They coordinate a variety of activities, plan and organize special functions, maintain records for controls, and handle complaints and suggestions from customers.

They are often responsible for maintaining high standards of quality control, hygiene, and health and safety.

They manage and lead a team, which could include everything from hiring and training new staff, to making sure all employees adhere to café policies, to providing friendly, efficient service to customers.

Café Managers may also be in charge of financial management, which includes taking responsibility for the café’s budget and finances, and ensuring that the café is profitable.

Additionally, they oversee the inventory of food and beverages, checking stock levels, ordering necessary supplies, and managing relationships with suppliers.

They may also help with marketing the café and creating promotional events to attract more customers.

They often coordinate with the kitchen staff to develop new recipes or dishes and ensure the food and drinks served meet the café’s quality standards.

Overall, a Café Manager plays a central role in the success of a café by ensuring smooth daily operations, excellent customer service, and a positive work environment.

 

Café Manager Qualifications and Skills

A proficient café manager should possess a variety of skills and qualifications that align with the job requirements, including:

• Excellent customer service skills to interact with customers, ensuring they enjoy their experience and feel valued.
• Strong communication skills to effectively relay information to staff, provide clear instructions, and discuss customer needs.
• Interpersonal skills to build a healthy work environment, foster teamwork, and handle any conflicts that arise professionally.
• Leadership and management skills to oversee the daily operations of the café, lead and motivate the team, and maintain high service standards.
• Financial management skills to manage budgets, control costs, and increase café profitability.
• Problem-solving skills to efficiently identify and rectify operational problems and customer complaints.
• Knowledge of food and beverage preparation, health and safety regulations, and café industry trends.
• Ability to work well under pressure, especially during peak times, while ensuring efficient service.

 

Café Manager Experience Requirements

Café Managers typically have several years of experience in the food and beverage industry.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through a job at a café, restaurant, or similar establishment in roles such as Barista, Waitstaff, or Kitchen Staff.

These professionals may also gain relevant experience in customer service roles, as interpersonal skills and customer satisfaction are key aspects of managing a café.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a solid understanding of café operations, including food and beverage preparation, order management, and quality control.

They may also have experience in staff training and scheduling.

Those with more than 5 years of experience usually have substantial managerial experience, showcasing their ability to effectively lead a team, manage resources, and ensure the overall smooth running of the café.

Often, they would have gained substantial knowledge of café financial operations, including budgeting, sales forecasting, and cost control.

These individuals may be ready for a senior managerial or café owner role.

 

Café Manager Education and Training Requirements

A Café Manager typically holds a high school diploma or equivalent, although a degree in hospitality, restaurant management, or a related field can be advantageous.

They often have several years of experience in the food and beverage industry, with some of that time spent in a supervisory or management role.

Courses in food safety, health and safety regulations, and customer service are often beneficial.

Most Café Managers will have to undertake a food safety course and obtain a food handler’s permit.

Additionally, many Café Managers participate in training programs offered by the café or restaurant to learn about company-specific procedures and practices.

While not required, certifications in restaurant management or a related field can demonstrate a candidate’s commitment to their career and provide them with valuable skills and knowledge.

It’s also beneficial for a Café Manager to have a good understanding of business management, as they are responsible for overseeing café operations, managing employees, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

They should also have knowledge of the latest trends in the café industry and be able to implement them into their own café.

 

Café Manager Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Café Manager is $48,686 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can differ based on factors such as experience, location, the size of the café, and the employing company.

 

Café Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does a café manager need?

Café managers require excellent customer service skills to ensure satisfaction of the patrons.

They need strong leadership and interpersonal skills to effectively manage their team.

Good problem-solving and decision-making skills are also essential in handling everyday challenges.

Lastly, familiarity with point-of-sale systems, food safety regulations, and basic bookkeeping are also beneficial.

 

Do café managers need a degree?

While a degree is not strictly necessary, having a degree in hospitality management, business administration, or a related field can be advantageous.

More important is relevant experience in food service or retail, especially in a leadership role.

Certifications in food safety and handling may also be required by some establishments.

 

What should you look for in a café manager resume?

Look for a history of leadership roles in retail or food service, as well as a track record of effective team management.

Experience in inventory management, staff scheduling, and customer service are also important.

If they have any certifications in food safety, first aid or management, these should also be highlighted.

 

What qualities make a good café manager?

A good café manager is organized, efficient, and able to multitask.

They have excellent people skills, both for dealing with customers and managing their team.

They are problem solvers who can think on their feet to handle unexpected issues.

A good café manager also has a passion for food and beverage, and an understanding of what makes a café experience enjoyable for customers.

 

What are the daily duties of a café manager?

A café manager’s daily duties include supervising café staff, overseeing food preparation and service, managing inventory, and ensuring that the café is clean and compliant with health and safety regulations.

They also handle administrative tasks such as scheduling, payroll, and accounting.

Additionally, they interact with customers to ensure satisfaction and handle any complaints.

 

Is it difficult to hire café managers?

Finding a qualified café manager can be challenging due to the specific skill set and experience required.

To attract the best candidates, it may be necessary to offer competitive salaries, opportunities for growth, and a positive work environment.

However, with a well-written job description and a comprehensive hiring process, you can find a café manager who is a good fit for your establishment.

 

Conclusion

So, there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the dynamic world of a café manager.

Guess what?

It’s not just about brewing coffee.

It’s about brewing the perfect café experience, one customer at a time.

With our comprehensive café manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to step up to the plate.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for creating detailed job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every cup of coffee contributes to the overall café ambiance.

Let’s brew a better future. Together.

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