Café Manager
Location: University of Toronto Campus
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Job Type: Full-time
About Us
We are a family-owned café proudly serving the University of Toronto community. Our customers include students, professors, faculty, and staff who rely on us for quality coffee, fresh meals, and friendly service. We are looking for a dependable, organized, and hands-on Café Manager to lead our daily operations and help maintain the welcoming environment our customers have come to expect.
Position Summary
The Café Manager is responsible for overseeing all daily café operations while leading a small team in a fast-paced environment. This role combines leadership, administration, inventory management, customer service, and food preparation. The ideal candidate is proactive, enjoys leading by example, and is comfortable working alongside the team during busy service periods.
You will work closely with ownership and management while being responsible for ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, maintaining high standards of food quality and customer service, and supporting a positive workplace culture.
Key Responsibilities Operations & Leadership
- Oversee all daily café operations and ensure efficient workflow throughout the day.
- Lead, supervise, and support a team consisting of 2–3 staff members with ongoing support from ownership.
- Create and manage weekly employee schedules.
- Delegate tasks and ensure all team members are completing responsibilities efficiently and to a high standard.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
- Open and prepare the café for daily operations and ensure closing procedures are completed properly.
Food Preparation & Service
- Prepare fresh ingredients for daily service, including sandwiches, salads, pastries, and other menu items.
- Prepare food to order, including breakfast sandwiches, paninis, burritos, salad bowls, and other café offerings.
- Assist the team during busy periods to ensure prompt and friendly customer service.
- Monitor food quality, freshness, and presentation.
Inventory & Ordering
- Manage inventory levels and ensure adequate stock of food, beverages, and café supplies.
- Place weekly food orders through Costco and independent suppliers.
- Order operational supplies including cups, lids, napkins, utensils, cleaning products, and other essential items.
- Monitor inventory usage and minimize waste.
Administration
- Complete daily operational and sales reports.
- Prepare monthly sales reports and other required operational reporting.
- Maintain regular communication with ownership regarding café performance, inventory, staffing, and operational needs.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, health, and workplace regulations.
Customer Service
- Deliver exceptional customer service and foster a welcoming environment.
- Respond professionally to customer questions, concerns, and complaints.
- Resolve workplace and customer conflicts calmly and effectively.
- Build positive relationships with the university community and encourage repeat business.
Our Team
You will manage and work alongside:
- Chef: Responsible for cooking, baking pastries, food preparation, and assisting during busy service periods.
- Barista: Responsible for preparing coffee, smoothies, and juices, operating the cash register, serving customers, and assisting with front-of-house operations.
Qualifications
- Previous management or supervisory experience in a café, restaurant, or food service environment.
- Strong leadership and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Experience with scheduling staff and managing daily operations.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
- Experience with inventory management and ordering supplies.
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and remain on your feet for extended periods.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who leads by example, takes initiative, and enjoys working both behind the scenes and alongside their team. The ideal candidate is organized, dependable, customer-focused, and committed to creating an exceptional café experience for both customers and staff.
If you're passionate about hospitality and enjoy managing a close-knit team in a welcoming university environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: $22.00-$23.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
