Coffee Shop Manager in Eastbourne, England at Foundry Coffee

About Foundry Coffee

Foundry Coffee is an independent speciality coffee business built around exceptional coffee, quality food, and genuine hospitality. We are passionate about creating welcoming spaces, delivering consistent quality, and building a team culture centred around accountability, care, and excellence.

We are looking for a strong General Manager to lead our Grove Road store — our flagship café offering speciality coffee, brunch, and exceptional customer experience.

Role Overview

The General Manager is responsible for the overall performance of the Grove Road store.

You will lead the team to ensure the site operates efficiently, profitably, and to the highest standards every day. This includes managing people, driving sales, controlling costs, delivering excellent customer service, and maintaining operational excellence across all areas of the business.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring someone who leads from the front, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and takes full ownership of site performance.

Key Responsibilities

Store Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the Grove Road store.

• Ensure smooth service across all trading periods.

• Maintain exceptional standards in coffee, food, service, and cleanliness.

• Ensure all opening and closing procedures are completed to company standards.

• Drive operational efficiency and identify areas for improvement.

Team Leadership

• Recruit, train, develop, and retain a high-performing team.

• Lead by example and create a positive, accountable culture.

• Manage rotas effectively to ensure labour efficiency and service standards.

• Conduct regular 1:1s, reviews, and performance conversations.

• Address performance issues promptly and professionally.

Customer Experience

• Deliver outstanding hospitality and customer service at all times.

• Create a welcoming environment for both customers and team.

• Handle customer feedback and complaints effectively.

• Continuously improve the customer experience.

Financial Performance

• Take ownership of site sales and profitability.

• Manage labour costs in line with business targets.

• Monitor daily, weekly, and monthly performance.

• Identify opportunities to increase sales and improve efficiency.

• Control costs, reduce waste, and protect margins.

Stock & Cost Control

• Oversee ordering and stock management.

• Ensure stock is controlled effectively to minimise waste.

• Maintain strong cost discipline across all departments.

• Protect gross profit through strong stock control and operational discipline.

Compliance & Standards

• Ensure full compliance with food safety, health & safety, and company procedures.

• Maintain excellent standards of hygiene and cleanliness.

• Ensure all company policies are followed consistently.

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Proven management experience within hospitality, cafés, or food & beverage.

• Strong leadership and people management skills.

• Commercial awareness and financial understanding.

• Excellent organisational and communication skills.

• Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong attention to detail and high standards.

Desirable

• Experience in speciality coffee.

• Experience managing high-volume brunch or café environments.

• Knowledge of labour management, KPIs, and rota planning.

Personal Attributes

• Natural leader

• Hands-on and proactive

• Positive and solutions-focused

• Calm under pressure

• Highly organised

• Commercially aware

• Strong work ethic

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Strong site sales and profitability

• High-performing, engaged team

• Excellent customer experience

• Consistently high operational standards

• Efficient labour and stock management