Luminary Bakery
Senior Café Manager [New Opening]

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Job Title: Senior Cafe Manager
Location
Working across two cafe sites:
- Kings Cross Pancras Square NC1
- Stoke Newington N16
Direct Reports
- Kings Cross - x2 Shift Leads
- Stoke Newington - Assistant Cafe Manager, Shift Lead
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time 40 hours per week, usually Monday to Friday (working 3 days at NC1, and 2 days at N16)
Shifts
Usually 07:00 - 15:00 (NC1) and 07:30 - 15:30 (N16)
Salary
£34,320 per annum (paid hourly at £16.50ph) + Additional Apprentice Responsibility Payment when hosting Apprentices
PLEASE NOTE: Kings Cross Pancras Square will be a new site opening, and we will be recruiting a new cafe team. The appointed Senior Cafe Manager will be involved in hiring their team.
Why Work With Luminary Bakery?
Luminary Bakery is a social enterprise using baking as a tool to empower women and build community. By joining our team, you’ll be part of something bigger than bread – you’ll be helping us grow a sustainable business that creates opportunities for women who’ve experienced social and economic disadvantage.
Your Role
As Senior Café Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the overall success of the cafés by leading the team, overseeing day-to-day operations, and maintaining high standards of customer service, operational efficiency, and health & safety. You will create a positive and professional environment, driving performance and fostering growth within your team while supporting the larger mission of Luminary Bakery.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Café Operations & KPI Management
- Oversee the smooth and efficient daily operations of the cafés.
- Monitor and track sales against agreed targets.
- Provide monthly performance data analysis, identifying areas for improvement and suggesting actionable solutions.
- Utilise the Weekly Cafe Tracker to ensure performance is on track and targets are met.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Stock Management
- Manage ordering and stock replenishment to maintain optimal supply levels while minimising waste.
- Conduct regular stock checks to maintain par levels and stock on hand, to support ordering procedures and cost control.
- Implement and oversee stock rotation procedures to maintain product quality and reduce spoilage.
Team Training & Development
- Lead the training and development of new and existing team members, ensuring they are equipped with the skills needed to succeed.
- Supervise Apprentices in the Luminary Programme, providing guidance and support for their growth.
- Conduct regular one-to-one meetings with team members, offering feedback, encouragement, and developmental guidance.
Staffing & Scheduling
- Ensure staff schedules align with approved rota templates.
- Collaborate with HR to address staffing gaps, including overseeing recruitment, conducting interviews, and managing onboarding processes.
- Preparing staff schedules bearing in mind contracted hours and staff availability, facilitating shift swaps.
Operational Excellence
- Continuously optimise café operations, ensuring all processes align with Luminary policies and standards.
- Regularly monitor and review product quality, verifying that recipes are followed and maintaining consistent high standards.
Health & Safety Compliance
- Maintain a 5-star Food Hygiene Rating by strictly enforcing food hygiene and allergen policies.
- Ensure Health & Safety excellence through risk assessments and ongoing staff training.
- Ensure the café team adheres to cleaning schedules, including daily, weekly and deep cleaning rotas.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Customer Experience & Team Culture
- Foster a culture of professionalism, exceptional customer service, and teamwork within the café.
- Lead by example in your personal appearance, communication, and overall professionalism.
- Promote a positive, welcoming atmosphere for both staff and customers, ensuring an excellent café experience.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Oversee the implementation of work experience initiatives, ensuring smooth execution and positive outcomes for all involved.
- Facilitate seamless cross-department collaboration and operational harmony.
Equipment & Compliance Training
- Train the team on proper handling and maintenance of café equipment.
- Ensure compliance with internal and regulatory standards regarding equipment use and safety.
Supporting the Bigger Picture
- Actively contribute to Luminary Bakery’s broader business and charity goals, supporting its mission and helping drive its success.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND ABILITIES
- Proven experience in café or hospitality management, with a focus on operational excellence and team development.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
- Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication skills, both with customers and team members.
- A passion for delivering outstanding customer service and maintaining high standards of café operations.
- Flexibility to work weekends and adjust to changing schedules.
- Committed to upholding Luminary Bakery’s values and mission.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London