About the Role

We are looking for a proactive, organised, and hands-on Cafe Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of our café. The ideal candidate will ensure smooth service, maintain inventory and stock levels, coordinate staff schedules, manage purchasing, and uphold the café's standards for cleanliness, quality, and customer experience.

We are looking for someone who takes ownership, pays attention to detail, and can keep the café running efficiently while maintaining high operational standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Daily Cafe Operations

- Oversee daily café opening and closing procedures.
- Handle customer orders and billing when required, and ensure smooth service during peak hours.
- Coordinate with kitchen and beverage staff to ensure orders are prepared and served efficiently.
- Resolve routine customer concerns and operational issues.

2. Inventory & Stock Management

- Monitor daily stock levels of ingredients, beverages, packaging, and other supplies.
- Maintain accurate inventory records and track stock consumption.
- Conduct regular stock counts and identify wastage, discrepancies, or potential shortages.
- Ensure proper storage, labelling, rotation, and handling of ingredients.

3. Purchasing & Vendor Coordination

- Prepare and raise purchase orders based on stock requirements.
- Coordinate with vendors and suppliers regarding orders, deliveries, and pricing.
- Verify incoming deliveries against purchase orders and check quantity and quality.
- Ensure essential supplies are available without overstocking or unnecessary wastage.

4. Staff Scheduling & Coordination

- Prepare staff rosters and manage shift schedules.
- Coordinate attendance, shift changes, and leave planning.
- Ensure adequate staffing during operating hours and peak periods.
- Communicate daily responsibilities and ensure team members follow established procedures.

5. SOPs,



Quality Control & Audits

- Implement and monitor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across café operations.
- Conduct regular checklists and audits covering cleanliness, hygiene, food safety, equipment, and service standards.
- Ensure opening, closing, cleaning, and maintenance checklists are completed consistently.
- Identify operational gaps and take corrective action.
- Maintain records of audits, stock checks, wastage, and other operational activities.

6. Cafe Upkeep & Maintenance

- Ensure the café, kitchen, counters, seating areas, and storage spaces remain clean and organised.
- Monitor equipment condition and coordinate repairs or preventive maintenance.
- Ensure the café maintains a neat, welcoming, and well-maintained appearance throughout the day.

7. Reporting & Accountability

- Maintain daily operational records, including stock, purchases, wastage, and staff attendance.
- Report stock discrepancies, maintenance issues, and operational concerns to management.
- Help control operating costs by minimising wastage and improving inventory management.
- Provide regular updates on café performance and operational issues.

Requirements

- 1–3 years of experience in café, restaurant, QSR, or hospitality operations preferred.
- Strong organisational, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
- Comfortable handling inventory sheets, purchase orders, staff rosters, and daily checklists.
- Good communication and vendor coordination skills.
- Basic computer skills, including Excel or Google Sheets.
- Attention to detail and a robust sense of ownership.
- Willingness to be hands-on with daily café operations, including customer service when needed.
- A systematic person who follows up on pending work and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

Interested candidates: Please share your CV along with details of your previous hospitality or café experience.

📌 Cafe Manager (Chennai)
🏢 Kettle Room
📍 Chennai