Job Title: Cafe Manager – Qima Café (Site-Level)
Reports to: Operations Manager
Location: London (One of Two Café Locations)
Type: Full-Time, Permanent
About Us:
Qima Patisserie & Kitchen is a pioneering concept that blends the warmth of café culture with the elegance of plated desserts and the comfort of soulful brunch and lunch dining. With a mission to redefine everyday hospitality, we operate across two London locations, delivering best-in-class guest experiences rooted in craftsmanship, quality, and detail.
Role Overview
As a Cafe Manager, you will lead one of Qima Café’s sites, ensuring operational excellence, team success, and exceptional guest experiences. You will be the on-the-ground leader responsible for your café's performance—bringing to life Qima’s vision while maintaining a welcoming, efficient, and standards-driven environment. This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who thrives in premium, high-volume café or boutique restaurant settings and is passionate about service, coffee, and food culture.
Key Responsibilities
1. Daily Operations & Floor Leadership
* Lead all day-to-day operations including opening/closing, floor management, and service flow.
* Maintain a strong presence during trading hours, particularly peak periods, to support teams and proactively solve issues.
* Ensure all SOPs, checklists, and service protocols are followed consistently.
2. Scheduling, Rota & Workforce Planning
* Create and manage staff schedules using Workforce, aligning labour with forecasted sales and peak trading times.
* Ensure optimal staff coverage, adapting schedules as needed for holidays, absences, and service needs.
3. Team Leadership & Development
* Recruit, onboard, train, and retain a high-performing FOH and barista team.
* Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching sessions, and team meetings to align on goals and service expectations.
* Foster a positive, inclusive team culture with high morale and strong accountability.
4. Guest Experience & Brand Delivery
* Champion Qima’s hospitality values through personalised, thoughtful service and a warm guest atmosphere.
* Oversee the consistent execution of plated desserts, brunch/lunch service, and takeaway offerings.
* Monitor guest feedback and resolve complaints with care and professionalism.
5. Compliance, Safety & Standards
* Ensure food hygiene, health & safety, and site compliance protocols are strictly followed.
* Maintain accurate and up-to-date site documentation (HACCP logs, incident reports, audits).
* Lead internal audits and implement corrective actions where needed.
6. Product Execution & Coordination
* Ensure smooth kitchen/FOH coordination, especially for ticket flow and presentation during plated dessert and brunch services.
* Support new menu launches, promotions, and seasonal service transitions.
Essential
* 3–5 years of experience in café, casual dining, or boutique restaurant management.
* Experience managing staff rotas using Workforce or similar platforms.
* Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
* Operational knowledge of P&L, stock control, and service flow.
* Passion for hospitality, coffee, and food quality.
* Availability across mornings, weekends, and peak trading times
Desirable
* Experience in patisserie or plated dessert service.
* Familiarity with premium coffee programs or brunch service.
* Exposure to cost and labour management in a high-volume, high-standard setting.
Benefits:
* Competitive compensation
* Pension scheme with employer contributions
* Free staff meals during shifts
* Cycle to work Scheme
* Opportunities for internal growth and career development
* Employee discounts and other perks