The VanillaCo
General Manager
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Help us build the future of VanillaCo.
This isn't just another General Manager role.
We're looking for someone who wants to build something extraordinary.
VanillaCo has quickly become one of Derbyshire's most loved independent cafés, known for exceptional coffee, beautifully crafted food, an inclusive menu and unforgettable customer experiences. As we continue to grow, we're looking for an exceptional leader to help shape the future of our business.
This is an opportunity to join us at an exciting stage of our journey and become a key part of our long-term growth. Today you'll lead our flagship café. Tomorrow, you'll help build the systems, culture and leadership that support multiple locations.
We're not looking for someone to simply manage a rota.
We're looking for someone who genuinely cares about people, takes ownership, leads by example and wants to leave their mark on an ambitious independent business.
The Role
As General Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of VanillaCo.
You'll lead our team, ensure exceptional operational standards, develop future leaders and create an environment where both our customers and team members thrive.
Working closely with the Founders, you'll gradually take ownership of the daily operation, allowing the business to continue expanding while maintaining the high standards VanillaCo has become known for.
Responsibilities
Leadership
- Inspire, motivate and develop a high-performing team.
- Lead by example during every shift.
- Build a positive, supportive and accountable culture.
- Coach and mentor the team.
- Conduct probation reviews, performance reviews and development meetings.
- Recruit, interview and onboard exceptional people.
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Operations
- Oversee the daily operation of the café.
- Ensure consistently outstanding customer experiences.
- Manage rotas and labour efficiency.
- Monitor stock levels and ordering.
- Maintain food safety and health & safety compliance.
- Ensure opening and closing procedures are completed to the highest standard.
Financial Performance
- Deliver labour budgets.
- Monitor sales and productivity.
- Identify opportunities to improve profitability.
- Reduce waste while maintaining exceptional quality.
- Support the Founders with business reporting and KPI analysis.
Standards
- Ensure every drink and every dish leaves the kitchen to VanillaCo standards.
- Maintain exceptional cleanliness throughout the business.
- Protect the customer experience.
- Drive consistency across every aspect of the operation.
Growth
- Help build systems that allow VanillaCo to scale.
- Support new product launches.
- Assist with new store openings.
- Help develop future managers.
- Play an active role in shaping the future direction of the business.
We're looking for someone who:
- Has previous management experience within hospitality.
- Is an exceptional leader who naturally earns the respect of others.
- Leads with kindness, professionalism and accountability.
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment.
- Makes decisions confidently.
- Is organised, proactive and solution-focused.
- Understands that great hospitality is built on consistency.
- Takes ownership rather than waiting to be asked.
- Wants to build a long-term career within a growing independent business.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Coffee experience is beneficial but not essential. Leadership is.
What you'll receive
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Performance-related bonus opportunities.
- Free food and drink on shift.
- Ongoing professional development.
- Genuine progression opportunities as VanillaCo grows.
- The opportunity to influence the future of an ambitious hospitality brand.
- A supportive environment where your ideas genuinely matter.
Why VanillaCo?
We're building far more than a café.
We're creating a hospitality brand centred around exceptional experiences, beautiful spaces, community and genuine care for people.
We're incredibly proud of what we've built so far, but we're only just getting started.
If you're excited by the opportunity to help build something special, inspire a fantastic team and play a key role in our future growth, we'd love to hear from you.
This isn't a replacement.
We're searching for the right person to join our leadership team as we continue to grow. We believe exceptional people are worth waiting for, and when we find them, we'll create the opportunity.
If you think that could be you, we'd love to hear your story.
Apply today with your CV and tell us why you believe you'd be the right person to help lead the future of VanillaCo.
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