Job Description

Background

U-turn is a thriving non-profit that exists to give homeless people the skills to overcome homelessness. Founded in 1997, we believe in life after homelessness. We believe that every homeless individual should have access to an effective pathway that addresses their physical, spiritual and emotional needs so they can leave the streets and become a long-term productive member of society.

To help homeless people overcome homelessness we operate a phased rehabilitation programme that gives individuals new ways of thinking (via Substance abuse rehab, direct training and Occupational Therapy) as well as work places (offered in our social enterprises) where candidates can test and apply the training they've received. In the process, the programme inculcates a healthy work ethic, furnishes modern job skills and gives 18-24 months of real work experience so that individuals can graduate and be gainfully employed in the modern South African economy.

The programme is yielding wonderful results. Our candidates typically graduate into open market employment and show an 83% long term success rate! We are actively working to expand the programme to more locations in Cape Town and across South Africa.

The position

There is an opportunity for a person with strong leadership, operational management, and coffee industry experience to join the U-turn team as a Coffee Operations Manager.

Reporting directly to the Retail Operations Manager, the candidate will oversee the setup, launch, and daily operations of new and existing coffee shops, ensuring efficient workflows, supplier management, and staff training.

The ideal candidate is happy to work in an organization with strong Christian motivations, highly organized, adaptable, and passionate about creating exceptional customer experiences while driving business growth. This is a full time position.

Key areas of responsibility

New Store Setup & Expansion - Oversee the layout design, planning, setup, and regulatory compliance (permits, licenses and inspections) for new coffee shop locations. Supplier & Vendor Management - Establish supplier relationships (e.g. for coffee, food, cups, equipment, furniture and other essentials), procure required equipment, and develop a menu (pastries & muffins etc) that aligns with brand, meets customer preferences and ensures pricing aligns with financial goals. Staff recruitment & team development - Recruit, onboard and train coffee shop staff while fostering a strong team culture and professional development. Training - create and oversee delivery of a comprehensive training programme for new staff and U-turn Champions to take place after basic Red Band training done. Operational Systems & Efficiency - Set up and implement POS systems, streamline workflows, and manage inventory to optimize daily operations. Marketing & Launch Strategy - Ensure cafe branding is consistent across all touchpoints, plan and execute pre-launch marketing campaigns and grand opening events to drive customer engagement, support ongoing marketing activities. Financial Oversight & Budgeting - Create detailed budgets for setup phase, track expenses - managing to budget, and set realistic revenue goals to ensure financial sustainability. Health, Safety & Compliance - Ensure all locations meet health, safety, and food regulations while training staff on safety protocols. Business Growth - Build a successful and sustainable business by identifying opportunities for business growth, operational improvement, and customer experience enhancements.

Experience and skills

Coffee Industry Experience - Proven experience in coffee shop operations, including barista training, menu development, and equipment management. [Essential] Project & Store Setup Experience - Experience in opening and setting up new coffee shops, including layout planning, supplier sourcing, and licensing. Leadership & Team Management - Strong leadership skills to recruit, train, and manage staff while fostering a positive team culture. Operational & Financial Acumen - Ability to implement efficient workflows, manage budgets, track expenses, and drive profitability. Vendor & Supply Chain Management - Experience in negotiating with suppliers, managing inventory, and ensuring cost-effective procurement. Marketing & Brand Development - Knowledge of marketing strategies, social media engagement, and customer acquisition tactics for cafe openings. Health & Safety Compliance - Understanding of food safety regulations, workplace safety standards, and compliance requirements. Problem-Solving & Adaptability - Strong problem-solving skills to handle operational challenges and adapt to a fast-paced environment.

Personal Attributes

Strong Leadership - Able to inspire, train, and manage a team to maintain high operational and service standards. Highly Organized - Skilled at managing multiple tasks, from store setup to daily operations, while ensuring efficiency. Adaptable & Solution-Oriented - Thrives in a fast-paced environment, solving challenges quickly and effectively. Passionate About Coffee & Hospitality - Deep enthusiasm for coffee culture and delivering outstanding customer experiences. Business-Minded - Understands financial management, budgeting, and strategies for driving profitability. Excellent Communicator - Able to collaborate with staff, suppliers, and leadership to align operations with business goals.
Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person