Job Title: Bakery/Cafe Front of House Manager
About La Bakerie:
La Bakerie is a beloved independent bakery and cafe nestled in the heart of the community. We're passionate about serving our neighbours with the finest made-from-scratch baked goods, brunch delights, exquisite cakes and pastries, and expertly brewed coffee. What sets us apart is our commitment to quality and service; every item is crafted daily on-site by our talented team of bakers and chefs, ensuring a unique and delightful offering and experience for our customers. We foster a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere and are looking for a dynamic leader to join our team.
The Opportunity:
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Front of House Manager to lead and inspire our front-of-house team. This is a pivotal role with the opportunity to shape the customer experience and drive the success of our cafe. You'll be responsible for the seamless operation of the front of house, ensuring every customer leaves with a smile.
Key Responsibilities:
Team Leadership and Development:
* Lead, mentor, and motivate the front-of-house team to deliver exceptional customer service and achieve operational excellence.
* Set clear daily objectives for the team, focusing on efficient operations, sales targets, and customer satisfaction.
* Manage the recruitment, onboarding, and training of front-of-house staff, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to excel.
* Conduct regular performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and identify opportunities for individual and team development.
* Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-energy work environment.
* Create and manage the weekly staff rota, in collaboration with the Head Chef, ensuring adequate coverage and optimising labour costs.
Operational Excellence:
* Oversee all aspects of front-of-house operations, including opening and closing procedures, team operational productivity and order of supplies, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.
* Maintain the highest standards of presentation for all food and beverage offerings, ensuring displays are attractive and well-stocked.
* Manage till operations, including processing payments, handling cash, and reconciling daily takings.
* Monitor and manage inventory levels for front-of-house supplies (coffee, tea, milk, etc.), coordinating with the kitchen team to ensure efficient ordering and minimise waste.
* Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations, including food hygiene and sanitation standards.
Customer Experience:
* Ensure that every customer receives a warm welcome, prompt and attentive service, and a memorable experience.
* Proactively address and resolve customer enquiries, feedback, and complaints in a professional and empathetic manner.
* Cultivate a culture of customer focus within the front-of-house team, encouraging them to go the extra mile to exceed expectations.
Sales and Business Performance:
* Drive sales through upselling, cross-selling, and promoting special offers and events.
* Monitor sales performance, track key metrics, and prepare reports for management, identifying trends and opportunities for growth.
* Manage waste and spoilage effectively, recording data and implementing strategies to minimise losses.
* Maintain strong communication and collaboration with the kitchen team to ensure seamless service and optimise the flow of orders.
Skills and Qualifications:
* Proven experience (2+ years) in a front-of-house management role within a fast-paced hospitality environment (bakery/cafe experience is a strong advantage).
* Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate, inspire, and manage a team effectively.
* A genuine passion for providing outstanding customer service and creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere.
* Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to multitask, prioritise, and work efficiently under pressure.
* Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and composure.
* Solid computer skills, including experience with POS systems, spreadsheet software (e.g., Excel, Google), and inventory management.
* Competent barista skills with a passion for coffee.
* Excellent verbal and written English skills.
* Legal authorisation to work in the UK.
* A passion for and knowledge of food, particularly bakery products, and an understanding of the importance of quality ingredients and presentation.
Schedule:
* 40 hours per week
* Includes weekdays and weekend shifts on a rotating basis (5 days a week)
* Must be able to start at 5.30am on weekends when on shift
What We Offer:
* Salary: up to £33k per year, commensurate with experience.
* Additional Pay: Potential for performance-based bonus.
Benefits:
* Company pension scheme.
* Generous employee discounts on our delicious food and drinks.
* Opportunities for professional development and growth within our company.
* A welcoming and friendly work environment where your contributions are valued.
To Apply:
If you are a passionate and dedicated hospitality professional with a flair for leadership and a love for great food and service, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are the perfect fit for this role to info@labakerie.co.uk.
We look forward to hearing from you!