Café Supervisor / Manager

Position OverviewThe Café Supervisor / Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a café and ensuring consistent standards across customer service, food and beverage quality, staff performance, sales, inventory, cleanliness, and operational efficiency. The role ensures that the café operates smoothly from opening through closing while maintaining a welcoming environment and delivering a high-quality customer experience.The Supervisor supports day-to-day floor operations, staff deployment, service standards, stock control, and shift management, while the Manager takes broader responsibility for business performance, staffing, cost control, sales targets, operational planning, and overall outlet performance. Both levels work closely with baristas, service staff, kitchen teams, suppliers, customers, and senior management to maintain company standards and achieve business objectives.Key ResponsibilitiesOversee daily café operations, including opening, service periods, peak-hour operations, closing, cleaning, and end-of-day procedures.Ensure customers receive friendly, efficient, professional, and consistent service throughout their visit.Monitor food and beverage quality, presentation, portion control, preparation standards, and service speed.Ensure all staff follow company SOPs, service procedures, food safety requirements, hygiene standards, and workplace safety practices.Lead, supervise, motivate, and support baristas, service crew, cashiers, kitchen staff, and part-time employees.Prepare staff schedules, shift assignments, break arrangements, and manpower deployment according to business volume and operational requirements.Conduct shift briefings and communicate daily priorities, promotions, product updates, customer requirements, and operational issues to the team.Train and coach new and existing employees on customer service, product knowledge, beverage preparation, POS procedures, hygiene, and operational standards.Monitor staff attendance, punctuality, grooming, discipline, performance, and adherence to company policies.Lead by example by actively supporting front-of-house and café operations during busy periods when required.Monitor daily sales performance and work with the team to achieve sales targets, upselling objectives, and other operational KPIs.Support the planning and execution of promotional campaigns, seasonal offers, new product launches, and customer engagement initiatives.Encourage appropriate upselling and cross-selling of beverages, food, desserts, merchandise, and promotional products.Handle customer enquiries, feedback, complaints, and service recovery situations professionally and ensure issues are resolved promptly.Build positive relationships with regular customers and identify opportunities to improve customer retention and satisfaction.Manage cash handling, POS transactions, discounts, refunds, voids, payment reconciliation, and daily sales reporting in accordance with company procedures.Monitor inventory levels for coffee, beverages, food ingredients, pastries, packaging, cleaning supplies, and other operating materials.Coordinate ordering, receiving, storage, stock rotation, and replenishment to maintain adequate product availability.Conduct stock counts and investigate inventory discrepancies, wastage, damaged products, expired items, and unusual variances.Apply appropriate FIFO/FEFO practices and maintain proper storage conditions for food, beverages, chilled products, and other perishable items.Monitor food wastage, product costs, breakages, labour costs, and other operating expenses to support effective cost control.Maintain high standards of café cleanliness, including dining areas, counters, bar stations, equipment, storage areas, restrooms, and back-of-house spaces.Ensure coffee machines, grinders, refrigeration equipment, POS systems, and other café equipment are properly maintained and operational.Report equipment faults, maintenance issues, safety hazards, pest-control concerns, and facility problems to the appropriate personnel.Maintain attractive product displays, menus, promotional materials, seating areas, and overall café presentation in line with brand standards.Prepare daily operational reports covering sales, staffing, inventory, wastage, customer feedback, incidents, and other relevant KPIs.Coordinate with suppliers, delivery partners, kitchen teams, warehouse personnel, and management to maintain smooth product and supply flow.Support audits, inspections, food safety checks, inventory checks, and other operational reviews.Assist with recruitment, onboarding, performance evaluation, staff development, and succession planning where required.For Manager-level responsibilities, take overall accountability for outlet performance, sales growth, profitability, staffing, budgeting, cost control, and operational standards.Analyse sales trends, customer feedback, labour productivity, inventory performance, and operating costs to identify improvement opportunities.Develop and implement initiatives to improve service efficiency, customer satisfaction, sales performance, staff productivity, and cost management.Ensure appropriate procedures are followed for emergencies, workplace incidents, cash security, loss prevention, and business continuity.Take charge of the café in the absence of senior management and ensure operational decisions are made effectively and professionally.RequirementsDiploma, certificate, or degree in Hospitality Management, Food & Beverage Management, Business Administration, Retail Management, or a related field is preferred.Previous experience in café, restaurant, F&B, hospitality, retail, or customer-service operations.Supervisory or management experience in a café, restaurant, coffee shop, or similar F&B environment is preferred for Supervisor / Manager-level positions.Strong knowledge of café operations, food and beverage service, customer experience, product quality, hygiene, and operational procedures.Experience supervising or leading teams in a fast-paced service environment.Strong understanding of staff scheduling, shift management, training, performance monitoring, and team development.Good knowledge of inventory control, stock-taking, ordering, stock rotation, wastage control, and basic cost management.Strong customer service, communication, interpersonal, conflict-resolution, and problem-solving skills.Commercial awareness with the ability to monitor sales performance, achieve targets, and support promotional activities.Experience using POS systems, inventory software, scheduling platforms, Microsoft Office, and basic reporting tools.Good numerical and administrative skills with the ability to handle cash, sales reports, stock records, and operational documentation accurately.Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain consistent standards during busy operating periods.Ability to work hands-on and remain effective in a fast-paced café environment.Knowledge of food safety, hygiene, sanitation, workplace safety, and relevant F&B regulations.Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate employees, delegate tasks, provide feedback, and manage performance.Ability to work flexible shifts, including mornings, evenings, weekends, public holidays, and peak periods.Professional appearance, positive attitude, reliability, accountability, and strong work ethic.Barista training, food safety certification, hospitality qualifications, or relevant F&B certifications are an advantage.Strong English communication skills; additional languages are an advantage depending on the café's customer base.