General Manager

About Us:

Qima Patisserie & Kitchen is a pioneering concept that blends the warmth of café culture with the elegance of plated desserts and the comfort of soulful brunch and lunch dining. With a mission to redefine everyday hospitality, we operate across two London locations, delivering best-in-class guest experiences rooted in craftsmanship, quality, and detail.

Role Overview

As a Cafe Manager, you will lead one of Qima Café’s sites, ensuring operational excellence, team success, and exceptional guest experiences. You will be the on-the-ground leader responsible for your café’s performance—bringing to life Qima’s vision while maintaining a welcoming, efficient, and standards-driven environment. This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who thrives in premium, high-volume café or boutique restaurant settings and is passionate about service, coffee, and food culture.

Key Responsibilities

A) Daily Operations & Floor Leadership

Lead all day-to-day operations including opening/closing, floor management, and service flow. Maintain a strong presence during trading hours, particularly peak periods, to support teams and proactively solve issues. Ensure all SOPs, checklists, and service protocols are followed consistently.

B) Scheduling, Rota & Workforce Planning

Create and manage staff schedules using Workforce, aligning labour with forecasted sales and peak trading times. Ensure optimal staff coverage, adapting schedules as needed for holidays, absences, and service needs.

C) Team Leadership & Development

Recruit, onboard, train, and retain a high-performing FOH and barista team. Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching sessions, and team meetings to align on goals and service expectations. Foster a positive, inclusive team culture with high morale and strong accountability.

D) Guest Experience & Brand Delivery

Champion Qima’s hospitality values through personalised, thoughtful service and a warm guest atmosphere. Oversee the consistent execution of plated desserts, brunch/lunch service, and takeaway offerings. Monitor guest feedback and resolve complaints with care and professionalism.

E) Compliance, Safety & Standards

Ensure food hygiene, health & safety, and site compliance protocols are strictly followed. Maintain accurate and up-to-date site documentation (HACCP logs, incident reports, audits). Lead internal audits and implement corrective actions where needed.

F) Product Execution & Coordination

Ensure smooth kitchen/FOH coordination, especially for ticket flow and presentation during plated dessert and brunch services. Support new menu launches, promotions, and seasonal service transitions.

Essential

• 3–5 years of experience in café, casual dining, or boutique restaurant management.
• Experience managing staff rotas using Workforce or similar platforms.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Operational knowledge of P&L, stock control, and service flow.
• Passion for hospitality, coffee, and food quality.
• Availability across mornings, weekends, and peak trading times

Desirable

• Experience in patisserie or plated dessert service.
• Familiarity with premium coffee programs or brunch service.
• Exposure to cost and labour management in a high-volume, high-standard setting.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation
• Pension scheme with employer contributions
• Free staff meals during shifts
• Cycle to work Scheme
• Opportunities for internal growth and career development
• Employee discounts and other perks