About Company
GAIL’s Bakery is a beloved neighbourhood bakery that believes in making good food by hand, with the best ingredients, every day. Since 2005, we’ve been dedicated to crafting exceptional artisan bread, pastries, cakes, and coffee, serving communities across London and beyond. We are passionate about quality, sustainability, and creating warm, inviting spaces where people can connect over delicious food. At GAIL’s, we believe in the power of real food and the people who make it. Our teams are at the heart of everything we do, working together to deliver outstanding experiences for our customers, from the first crumb to the last sip. We foster a culture of growth, learning, and collaboration, where every team member is valued and encouraged to flourish. Join us and become part of a story that celebrates the craft of baking and the joy of sharing within the vibrant South Kensington community.
Job Description
Are you a natural leader with a passion for exceptional food and service? GAIL’s Bakery in South Kensington is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Cafe Team Leader to inspire and guide our vibrant team. This pivotal role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, has a keen eye for detail, and is dedicated to delivering the GAIL’s standard of excellence. As a Cafe Team Leader, you’ll be instrumental in the day-to-day operations of our bustling bakery, ensuring a seamless and delightful experience for every customer. You will work closely with the Bakery Manager, playing a crucial role in team development, operational efficiency, and maintaining our high standards of product quality and presentation.
This isn’t just a job; it’s an opportunity to nurture talent, drive sales, and contribute to the warm, community atmosphere that GAIL’s is renowned for. If you’re ready to take the next step in your hospitality career and lead with passion, we want to hear from you. You’ll be responsible for opening and closing procedures, managing shifts, training new team members, handling customer queries, and ensuring all health and safety regulations are adhered to. This leadership role demands a proactive approach, excellent communication skills, and a genuine love for artisan baking and coffee, all while upholding the friendly, welcoming spirit of our South Kensington bakery. Bring your leadership skills and a desire to create memorable moments for our guests.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and motivate the café team to achieve operational excellence and deliver outstanding customer service.
- Oversee daily café operations, including opening and closing procedures, cash handling, and inventory management.
- Train, mentor, and support new and existing team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Ensure the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and hygiene are consistently maintained.
- Act as a brand ambassador, engaging with customers to enhance their experience and resolve any issues promptly.
- Manage stock levels, place orders, and minimize waste to optimize profitability.
- Assist the Bakery Manager in scheduling, performance reviews, and operational planning.
- Monitor sales performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement strategies to boost revenue.
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and food hygiene regulations.
Required Skills
- Proven experience in a supervisory or team leader role within a café, restaurant, or hospitality environment.
- Exceptional customer service skills with a friendly and proactive approach.
- Strong leadership and team management abilities, with a passion for developing others.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
- Solid understanding of food hygiene and health and safety standards.
- Proficiency in cash handling and point-of-sale (POS) systems.
- Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays.
Preferred Qualifications
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Hospitality or a related field.
- Experience with artisan bread and coffee preparation.
- First Aid certification.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
- Generous staff discount on all GAIL's products.
- Comprehensive training and development programs to support career progression.
- 28 days holiday per year (pro-rata).
- Opportunities to learn about artisan baking and coffee.
- Pension scheme.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- A vibrant and supportive team culture in a growing company.
How to Apply
If you are a driven leader ready to make an impact and share your passion for food with the South Kensington community, we encourage you to apply! Please click on the application link below to submit your application directly.