We are recruiting a Cafe Lead to help establish and operate our new Rainbow Community Cafe. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines barista and front-of-house mahi with project delivery, systems setup, menu and pricing development, supplier relationships, and team development.

This role sits within our Leadership Team and plays a key part in shaping a welcoming, inclusive, and sustainable social enterprise that reflects Rainbow Hub Waikato’s kaupapa and values and supports the creation of another place for our community to have safe inclusive spaces to be themselves.

What you will do

You will lead both the establishment and day-to-day running of the Rainbow Community Cafe, including:

•  Establishment: systems design, workflow development, menu and pricing preparation, supplier onboarding, fit-out coordination alongside our Cafe Consultants, equipment setup, licensing processes, and full operational readiness through to launch.

• Cafe operations: Support staff recruitment and rostering, stock management, food control and safety compliance, front-of-house service, barista mahi, and mentoring of staff and volunteers.

• Training and consistency: development of inductions, SOPs, checklists, and service standards that embed inclusive, health and safety-informed practice.

• Endurance and impact: supplier management, menu development, promotions, and social impact tracking that supports reporting to leadership and governance.
  

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Strong cafe operations experience, including budgeting and forecasting, cost control, and practical decision-making.

• Confident barista and front-of-house capability, with calm leadership in busy or high-pressure environments.

• Knowledge of food safety, health and safety, licensing, and compliance requirements.

• Strong relational practice and connection with Rainbow, Takatāpui, and/or hospitality communities.

• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and experience embedding Te Ao Maaori frameworks in daily mahi.

• Confidence using digital systems including Google Workspace, POS, stock management, and reporting tools.

• Willingness to complete food safety, child protection, and suicide prevention training if not already held.

How to apply

Applications close: 18th January →Shortlisting: Week beginning Monday 19 January →Preferred start date: 26th January
Please share  a CV (with at least two references listed) and a cover letter outlining why you are interested in helping establish a Rainbow community cafe, and what experience you bring to leading cafe operations and managing and supporting people. Please apply via the ad portal or via email to careers@rhw.org.nz with the subject line Cafe Lead Application.