Cafe Team Leader

Role Overview

We seek a seasoned Cafe Team Leader to spearhead the front-of-house operations of a brand-new café at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Collaborating directly with the Hospitality Manager, you will play an essential part in launching the café, assembling the team, and embedding service excellence, operational systems, and a welcoming culture from the ground up. Your leadership will guide daily front-of-house activities, ensuring visitors and guests experience warm, seamless hospitality.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement front-of-house procedures, service protocols, and standards.
• Lead daily café operations including opening, service, and closing duties.
• Assign staff roles and oversee appropriate staffing levels and preparation.
• Manage point-of-sale systems, oversee cash handling, perform cash reconciliations, and daily cash-ups.
• Supervise customer flow, monitor café presentation, cleanliness, and service zones.
• Address and resolve operational challenges and customer service issues promptly.
• Identify and suggest improvements for workflow efficiency, sales growth, and operational effectiveness.
• Champion exceptional manaakitanga and customer service standards among the team.
• Conduct inductions, training, and ongoing support for café team members.
• Provide clear guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities to staff.
• Support scheduling, attendance tracking, timesheet management, and employee performance evaluations.
• Handle customer feedback, complaints, and concerns professionally and promptly.
• Ensure team members are well-informed regarding menus, dietary needs, and allergen information.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and professional workplace environment.
• Collaborate closely with the Hospitality Manager and Head Chef to ensure a cohesive service experience.
• Serve as Duty Manager when scheduled, overseeing compliance and operational standards.
• Guarantee the responsible sale of alcohol adhering to licensing laws and organisational policies.
• Manage inventory including food and beverage stocks, consumables, and service supplies.
• Conduct stocktakes and monitor waste, breakages, and stock discrepancies.
• Ensure compliance with Food Control Plans and maintain hygienic food display, cleaning, and allergen protocols.
• Accurately complete food safety, cash handling, and operational documentation.
• Promote workplace health, safety, and wellbeing by timely reporting of incidents and hazards.
• Assist with front-of-house service for special functions and events as required.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a supervisory, team leader, or senior role within hospitality.
• Background working in a fast-paced café, restaurant, or event setting.
• Strong barista skills with practical experience.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and customer service orientation.
• Demonstrated ability to train, motivate, and support team members.
• Knowledgeable in POS systems, cash management, stock control, and ordering procedures.
• Sound understanding of food safety regulations, hygiene standards, and allergen management.
• Ability to stay calm, organized, and solution-driven during busy periods.
• Competence in addressing customer issues and fostering staff performance.
• Must hold or be willing to obtain an LCQ and Manager's Certificate for alcohol sales and supply.
• Possession of or willingness to acquire a current first aid certificate.
• Flexibility to work weekends, public holidays, event days, and varied shifts.

Additional Information

This is a permanent full-time position requiring approximately 40 hours per week. The role is onsite at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Paihia, Northland, New Zealand. Candidates should be ready to embrace a leadership role that involves building from inception, setting standards, and fostering a strong team culture that emphasizes hospitality and manaakitanga.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and CV addressed to the People & Governance Coordinator by 20 August 2026.