Kaiwhakahaere Wharekai Café Manager

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At Z we love our coffee, and in our Poneke Wellington tari we are very lucky to have barista made drinks made for us in our onsite café! Our café is a vital part of our space, and you can find Z’ers stopping by for a morning coffee, grabbing a delicious pie for lunch, choosing a snack from the range of baked goods or using the space to have an informal meeting in the café.

As our Kaiwhakahaere Wharekai Café Manager you will lead our café offering and play a key role in delivering a welcoming and nourishing workplace environment. Your passion for great service will directly influence the employee and visitor experience and will set provide a quality, enjoyable and professional environment.

The hours for this role are Monday to Friday 6.45am to 2.45pm.

You will have the opportunity to
  • Take ownership of daily operations, leading a barista to deliver an exceptional café environment
  • Adjust the food and drink offering, and operations, based on employee feedback and sales
  • Build and maintain relationships with external suppliers
  • Set up daily, ensuring food, coffee stations, and be on the tools making coffee and prepping kai
  • Monitor cleanliness, presentation and overall atmosphere of the cafe
  • Manage stock rotation, ordering supplies and maintaining inventory levels while working to your allocated budget
  • Maintain strict compliance with all food safety and hygiene regulations
  • Be a brand ambassador, building loyal customer relationships and representing our values
What you’ll bring to Z
  • Experience managing or overseeing a café, catering or hospitality business in a FOH capacity and great skills as a barista
  • Supervisory or people leadership skills and a passion for customer service
  • Food safety knowledge and qualifications along with and food preparation experience
  • The ability to commit to the hours
  • The drive and innovation to shape a successful café and create a place people love to visit
  • Excellent knowledge of managing inventory and stock rotation
  • The ability to resolve concerns professionally and promptly, ensuring a positive experience for Z’ers and visitors
What we can offer you
  • A competitive remuneration package including short-term incentive plan, medical insurance for you and your family, enhanced employer contribution for KiwiSaver
  • Generous leave provisions including sick leave, parental leave benefits and the option to buy additional leave
  • Access to Z’s Benefits & Recognition platform providing you access to retail discounts and cashbacks at over 150+ retailers in Aotearoa New Zealand that assist with everyday living expenses
  • The opportunity to contribute and be part of a supportive team that is here to make a difference
  • A chance to build your own capability through learning from some of the industry’s most knowledgeable people who have a desire to share their insights along with access to upskilling opportunities and career development across the organisation
  • Two days a year to do Good in your Hood, though our volunteering scheme, a chance for you to help others in your community in a meaningful way to you

The base salary range for this role is $65,000 to $70,000 per annum, plus 10% STI based on company and individual performance, a 5% KiwiSaver employer contribution and health insurance through Southern Cross.

Why Z?

Z has always been a proud Kiwi company. We’re aspirational for our future, confident of our role in Aotearoa New Zealand’s success and deeply loyal to our customers, communities and people.

We care deeply for our people while pushing them to achieve their best as individuals and collectively as an organisation. Our flexible working approach and Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick accreditations - backed by our strong company values, Tu Kaha Stand Up, Tu Maia Speak Out, Tu Kotahi Side by Side - have created an open and inclusive workplace that promotes personal development and is underpinned by a desire for our people and our communities to succeed.

One of the things we stand for at Z is Diversity & Inclusion. It is our belief that having a diverse workforce make it possible for our people to truly be themselves and deliver on our aspirations for Z.

We’re distinctive in our approach and if you’re up for a challenge, we’d love you to be part of it. If Z sounds like a place you believe you can add value and grow your own capability, then make sure you read Our Why. This is our founding document and provides further insights in what it means to part of the Z whanau.

If Z feels like a good match for your head and your heart, come join us for one heck of a journey!

Whakauru | Apply

Please include a cover letter in your application, telling us why you’re a great fit for Z.

Applications close: Friday 12th September 2025

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.

To be considered for this position you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

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