Cafe Manager

Zest Cafe Clare is a friendly, busy spot in the heart of the Clare Valley. We serve all day breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea along with great coffee, Milkshakes, smoothies, fresh juice and alcoholic beverages in a relaxed atmosphere. We are looking for a hands-on Café Manager who enjoys leading a team and keeping a venue running smoothly.

About the role

You’ll be in charge of the daily operation of the café. Your job is to support the team, keep the food and service consistent and make sure our guests leave happy.

Main responsibilities

1. work with our chefs to plan and update menus
2. organise and coordinate any special functions or events
3. manage purchasing of supplies and set pricing in line with budget
4. track stock levels and keep accurate records of inventory and financial transactions
5. make sure all dining areas are clean, safe and welcoming, and meet health standards
6. greet guests, take bookings and lend a hand with orders when needed
7. check in with customers to gauge their experience and respond to feedback
8. hire, train, roster and supervise kitchen and front-of-house staff
9. oversee opening and closing routines each day
10. create weekly rosters and handle shift changes
11. monitor food and drink quality to ensure consistency
12. help the team during busy patches and keep service flowing
13. arrange basic equipment troubleshooting and repairs
14. support small promotions or seasonal specials
15. manage cash handling and end-of-day reconciliation
16. assist with simple social media updates when required

What we’re looking for

1. confident leadership and people skills
2. solid experience in hospitality and café operations
3. good organisation and attention to detail
4. a friendly, calm approach with customers and staff
5. ability to work across weekdays and weekends

Extra advantages

1. sponsorship may be offered to an eligible candidate
2. applicants who can start right away will be viewed favourably

Full time position

Salary: $70,000 to $80,000 depending upon the experience of the person.

If you’re someone who enjoys a lively café environment and takes pride in running a smooth, welcoming space, we’d love to hear from you.