Lead as Coffee Shop Manager at Highbury Preparatory School apply by 12 September 2025

Highbury Preparatory School is seeking a dedicated Coffee Shop Manager to oversee their on-site coffee shop, which serves a variety of beverages, snacks, breakfast, lunch, and frozen dinners to parents and staff. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced catering professional with strong leadership and people skills. Applications for this role must be submitted by 12 September 2025, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly via the provided online form. You can find the original listing for this vacancy here: Coffee Shop Manager Vacancy.

Detailed vacancy information

• Position: Coffee Shop Manager
• School: Highbury Preparatory School
• Role description: Managing a small coffee shop serving beverages, snacks, breakfast, lunch, and frozen dinners to parents and staff.
• Key job skill requirements:
  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a catering unit.
  • Proven stock control experience.
  • Supervisory experience of staff.
  • Strong people skills.
  • Computer literacy (specifically Gmail and Pastel POS).
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • Ability to work extended hours, including weekends.
  • A driver’s licence is considered an advantage.
• Key job functions:
  • Overseeing daily operations of the coffee shop.
  • Ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
  • Managing the menu, introducing new items, and maintaining food quality.
  • Handling inventory and supplies effectively.
  • Performing cash ups and monitoring cash up reports.
  • Upholding all health and safety standards.
  • Supervising coffee shop staff.
• Closing date for applications: 12 September 2025
• Application outcome notification: Candidates who have not been contacted by 30 September should assume their application has been unsuccessful.
• Equal opportunity employer: Highbury Preparatory School gives preferential consideration to Employment Equity candidates.
• Data protection: The school adheres to POPIA guidelines, ensuring confidentiality of applicant information used solely for recruitment, selection, and reporting. Submission of an application implies acceptance of this disclaimer.
• How to apply: Complete the online form available via the provided link in the original advertisement.

A simple summary of the vacancy

Highbury Preparatory School is on the lookout for an experienced Coffee Shop Manager to take charge of their bustling on-campus coffee shop. This role involves more than just serving coffee; you will be responsible for the entire operation, from ensuring customers are happy and the food quality is top-notch, to managing stock, handling finances, and leading a small team. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of catering experience, particularly in roles involving stock management and staff supervision. Strong interpersonal skills are a must, as is proficiency with computers, especially Gmail and Pastel POS. You’ll need to be meticulous with details and prepared for a flexible work schedule, including some extended hours and weekends. While not strictly required, having a driver’s licence would be beneficial. The school is an equal opportunity employer, actively encouraging applications from Employment Equity candidates. Be sure to submit your application through the dedicated online form before the deadline of 12 September 2025.

Questions and answers for potential candidates

• Q1: What kind of establishment is the coffee shop?
  A: It is a small coffee shop located at Highbury Preparatory School, serving beverages, snacks, breakfast, lunch, and frozen dinners primarily to parents and staff of the school.
• Q2: What level of catering experience is required for this position?
  A: You will need a minimum of 5 years of experience working in a catering unit.
• Q3: Are there specific computer skills I need to have?
  A: Yes, you must be computer literate, with specific experience in using Gmail and Pastel POS.
• Q4: Will I be expected to work weekends or extended hours?
  A: Yes, the role requires the ability to work extended hours, including weekends, to meet the operational needs of the coffee shop.
• Q5: Is a driver’s licence absolutely essential for this job?
  A: A driver’s licence is listed as an advantage, meaning it is not strictly essential but would be a beneficial asset for your application.
• Q6: What are the core responsibilities of the Coffee Shop Manager?
  A: Your core responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, ensuring customer satisfaction, managing the menu and food quality, handling inventory, conducting cash ups, maintaining health and safety standards, and supervising staff.
• Q7: How do I apply for this vacancy?
  A: To apply, you need to complete the online form provided in the original vacancy advertisement.
• Q8: What is the latest date I can submit my application?
  A: The closing date for applications is 12 September 2025.
• Q9: When will I find out if my application has been successful or not?
  A: If you have not been contacted by 30 September, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.
• Q10: Does Highbury Preparatory School have an equal opportunity policy?
  A: Yes, Highbury Preparatory School is an equal opportunity employer and provides preferential consideration to Employment Equity candidates.
• Q11: How will my personal information be handled during the application process?
  A: In line with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act), the school will keep your personal information confidential, using it only for the recruitment, selection, and reporting process. By applying, you accept this disclaimer.
• Q12: How can I be a preferred candidate for this Coffee Shop Manager role?
  A: To stand out, ensure your application clearly demonstrates your extensive catering experience (over 5 years), specific skills in stock control, and your ability to manage and supervise staff effectively. Highlight your proficiency with Gmail and Pastel POS, and express your willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends. Emphasising your strong people skills and attention to detail will also be beneficial, as these are crucial for customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

For those interested in exploring more educational career opportunities, you can find a variety of roles by visiting more teaching jobs.