Home Ground is an iconic destination café located in the heart of UNSW. We’re more than just coffee—we’re a daily hub for students, staff and campus life.
We’re building something special, and we’re looking for a Café Manager who wants to shape the experience, lead a great team, and bring fresh ideas to life.
Job Description
🚀 About the Role
This is a hands-on leadership role where no two days are the same.
You’ll run the show across all aspects of Home Ground—from front-of-house energy and kitchen operations, to rostering, suppliers, and customer experience. You’ll have real ownership of the venue and the chance to put your personal stamp on how it looks, feels and operates.
The café operates Monday to Friday, 7:30am – 5:00pm, giving you consistent, predictable hours (with occasional functions or special events outside these times).
🌟 What You’ll Bring
We’re looking for someone who’s passionate about hospitality and people—someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and knows how to create a space people want to come back to.
You’ll be:
A natural leader and motivator
Confident, organised, and great under pressure
Creative in your thinking and proactive in your approach
Focused on delivering great food, great coffee, and great vibes
This role suits someone who wants to build a team culture, and make an impact on campus life, and has ambitions to own their own business one day.
🔑 What You’ll Be Responsible For
Leading the daily operations of the café (FOH, kitchen, rostering, and venue management)
Building strong relationships with suppliers and partners
Creating a consistent, high-quality customer experience that builds a loyal following
Overseeing financial performance, stock control, and reporting
Managing staffing, rostering, and labour costs
Reviewing and evolving the café offering—menus, service, and experience
Coaching, developing, and supporting your team to succeed
Desired Skills and Experience
✅ What We’re Looking For
Essential:
Experience in a similar role, or at least 2 years in a hospitality leadership position
Strong understanding of café or food & beverage operations (costs, stock, food safety)
Proven ability to motivate and manage a team
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think on your feet
Knowledge of dietary requirements (e.g. gluten free, vegan, halal, etc.)
Commitment to workplace safety, inclusivity, and sustainability
Bonus Points If You:
Have a creative side—whether that’s menu ideas, coffee obsession, presentation, or building something new
Enjoy marketing, promotions, or creating a “buzz” around a venue
Have experience in a youth-focused or campus-style environment
Hold relevant certifications (Food Safety, RSA, First Aid)
🌈 Why Join Us?
Be part of a vibrant campus community
Take ownership of a venue and make it your own
Work consistent weekday hours (a rarity in hospitality)
Help shape a space that students and staff connect with every day
