Cafe Cook

Cafe Cook & Supervisor

**Location**: Neighbourly Café at KWENCH, Victoria, BC

**Reports to**: KWENCH CEO

**Employment Type**: Permanent Full-time

**Compensation**:$60 - $65K + Tips

**DAY TIME WORK HOURS**

**Who We Are**

Neighbourly is our **cute and friendly café, located in KWENCH work club and**, serving one of Victoria’s most **dynamic and creative growing communities**. More than just a café, we host **long-table dinners, knitting circles, book clubs, and other community-driven events**. Warm, welcoming, and full of personality—Neighbourly is where **good food and great people meet**

**Job Overview**

We’re looking for a **passionate and experienced food & beverage leader** to take the reins at **Neighbourly**, the heart of KWENCH’s vibrant and creative community. You’ll have the **freedom to lead, create, and grow**, while also working collaboratively with management to execute the café’s vision. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, love **delivering great food and service**, and can **balance taking initiative with following direction**, this is your chance to **shape a café and build a long-term career with a company that’s growing and evolving.**

We are committed to hiring passionate individuals who want to explore their talents and grow with our company. As an equal opportunity employer, KWENCH embraces diversity and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

**Key Responsibilities**

**Operational Excellence**
- Oversee **all daily café operations**, ensuring seamless and efficient service across all shifts.
- Develop and refine **systems that optimise workflow, reduce downtime, and enhance customer experience**.
- Maintain high standards for **cleanliness, organisation, and compliance** with health and safety regulations.
- Manage **kitchen equipment maintenance and repairs**, keeping operations running smoothly.
- **Problem-solve in real time**, addressing any service or operational challenges as they arise.

**Leadership & Team Management**
- Recruit, train, and mentor a team of **skilled baristas and kitchen staff**.
- Create **efficient schedules** to balance staffing needs and labour costs.
- **Lead by example**, fostering a culture of **professionalism, inclusivity, and engagement**.
- Conduct **regular check-ins and performance reviews**, providing clear feedback and growth opportunities.

**Menu Development & Food Quality**
- **Maintain and adjust menu** that balances customer demand, sustainability, and profitability.
- Maintain quality and consistency across all **food, beverage, and catering offerings**.
- Take customer feedback seriously, using it to refine menu items and enhance the overall experience.

**Financial & Inventory Management**
- Develop and **manage budgets**, setting and achieving sales/profit targets.
- Monitor **costs, waste, and inventory** to ensure smart financial decisions.
- Oversee **ordering and supplier relationships**, keeping stock fresh and waste mínimal.
- Prepare regular **financial and operational reports** for leadership review.

**Customer & Community Experience**
- Create a **warm, welcoming atmosphere** that reflects KWENCH’s values.
- **Engage with customers**, responding to inquiries and feedback with professionalism and care.
- Foster **relationships with regular patrons** and **actively promote the café** within the local community.

**Event Coordination & Catering**
- Work closely with the KWENCH team to manage **café-related catering for events**.
- Oversee **menu design, staffing, and logistics** for long-table dinners, private events, and corporate catering.
- Ensure **seamless service** and high standards for food & beverage at all catered events.

**Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing**
- Source ingredients from **local, ethical, and sustainable suppliers** whenever possible.
- Implement **eco-friendly practices**, including waste reduction, composting, and biodegradable packaging.
- Engage the team in **sustainability initiatives and responsible sourcing**.

**Front-of-House & Guest Experience**
- Support front-of-house staff **during peak times** to ensure smooth service.
- Maintain a **welcoming, well-run space** that enhances the customer experience.

**Health & Safety Compliance**
- Ensure full compliance with **food safety and health regulations**.
- Keep **kitchen and café spaces spotless** to meet safety and hygiene standards.

**Client & Vendor Relations**
- Manage relationships with **suppliers, vendors, and wholesale partners**.
- Ensure **timely deliveries** and quality control across all products.
- Work closely with **clients** to adjust and improve services based on feedback.

**Qualifications**
- **Minimum 5 years of experience** in café, restaurant, or hospitality food prep role.
- **Food preparation, menu planning, and catering experience.**:

- **A passion for learning and growth**—always looking to refine your craft.
- **Barista experience** and k