Position Overview:

As the Executive Director of Lovewell Café, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our social enterprise café, located at Mt Gravatt Lookout. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the cafe's day-to-day operations, including events, facility management, and driving the strategic vision of the business. This position requires a dynamic and passionate individual with strong leadership and management skills, extensive experience in hospitality as well as a commitment to social impact and community engagement.

Our social enterprise cafe is dedicated to creating a positive impact on the lives of the women training and working with us while providing exceptional service and culinary experiences to our customers. As the Executive Director Lovewell café, you will have the unique opportunity to drive our vision forward and contribute to meaningful change. If you are a driven, compassionate, and results-oriented leader, we invite you to join our team and make a difference.

This role will be a key member of the Board of Directors for the Lovewell group, and it is envisaged this role will be a part-time position; 20-25 hours per week.

Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership:

• Develop and implement comprehensive operational strategies to achieve organisational goals, objectives, and budgets.
• Supervise and guide the café manager to ensure effective coordination and collaboration between kitchen and front-of-house staff.
• Supervise and guide events co-ordinator to ensure efficient and profitable events.
• Set and monitor performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and implement action plans to optimize operational efficiency.
• Foster a positive work culture that promotes teamwork, creativity, and innovation.

Financial Management:

• Oversee budgeting, financial forecasting, and cost management to ensure the cafe's financial sustainability and growth.
• Analyse financial reports and key performance indicators (KPIs) to make data-driven decisions and identify opportunities for cost savings and revenue growth.

Facility Management:

• Lead facility maintenance, cleanliness, and safety to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for customers and employees.
• Ensure compliance with Lease undertakings by managing contractors, and suppliers to undertake service and repairs, renovations, and facility improvement projects within allowable budgets.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations and licensing requirements.

Customer Experience and Quality Assurance:

• Ensure a high standard of training, service, food quality, and overall customer experience.
• Implement customer feedback mechanisms and use data to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty for both the Café and Events.

Staff Management and Development:

• Support and mentor the café Manager to motivate our diverse team of employees, nurturing their personal and professional growth and development.
• Ensure regular training programs to enhance staff skills and knowledge.
• Monitor the recruitment and staffing needs to ensure adequate coverage and workforce diversity within budgets.
• The role will be supported by a multidisciplinary team of employees and volunteers who support the café and events operations including Human Resources, IT, Marketing and Financial Analysis

Organisational Management:

• Lead and inspire a dedicated team, providing clear direction and fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators to the Board of Directors and stakeholders.
• Work Collaboratively with the ED of Lovewell Foundation to ensure all employees are supported and training reflects latest best practice.

Board Engagement and Governance:

• Collaborate with the Board, providing regular updates and seeking their guidance on key organisational matters.
• Ensure compliance with governance policies and maintain a transparent and productive relationship with the Board.

Social Impact and Community Engagement:

• Align the cafe's activities with its social mission, vision and values.
• Develop partnerships and collaborations with local organisations, non-profits, and social enterprises to promote positive social impact and community development.
• Monitor and report on the cafe's social and environmental impact to stakeholders.

Qualifications:

Experience:

• Proven experience in a senior management role within the foodservice or hospitality industry.
• Experience in social enterprise or non-profit settings (desirable).
• Strong knowledge and skills in technology and systems used in the hospitality sector.
• Knowledge of sustainable and ethical business practices (desirable).
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budgeting and financial analysis with demonstrated experience in delivering budgeted financial outcomes.
• Demonstrated success in team leadership, staff development, and performance management, particularly with diverse employee groups.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to build relationships with stakeholders and partners.
• A passion for social impact and community engagement initiatives.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, make strategic decisions, and adapt to changing circumstances.

Education/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, hospitality management (preferred)
• Related field or equivalent extensive experience (desirable)

Remuneration:

This role will offer fixed remuneration in line with part-time status. For the right candidate there will be a bonus structure negotiated.