Job Specification: Cafe Manager (Inclusive Employment Cafe)
Cafe Manager - The Mill Cafe, Blennerville Windmill
Organisation: Down Syndrome Kerry
Location: The Mill Cafe, Blennerville Windmill, Tralee, Co. Kerry
Reports to: Operations Manager
Contract: Full-Time, 2 years Fixed Term.
About Down Syndrome Kerry
Down Syndrome Kerry is committed to empowering people with Down syndrome to live fulfilling, independent and meaningful lives through education, employment, advocacy and community participation.
The Mill Cafe is an exciting new social enterprise developed by Down Syndrome Kerry in partnership with Kerry County Council. Situated at the iconic Blennerville Windmill, the cafe has a simple but ambitious vision-to become a destination renowned for great coffee, great food, warm hospitality and meaningful employment.
The cafe will provide opportunities for people with Down syndrome to develop valuable workplace skills in a real hospitality environment while delivering a first-class customer experience. It will demonstrate that commercial success and social impact can flourish together.
Role Purpose
We are seeking an experienced, energetic and commercially minded Cafe Manager to lead the launch and day-to-day operation of The Mill Cafe.
This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone with a genuine passion for good food, outstanding customer service and creating memorable hospitality experiences. The successful candidate will lead by example, inspiring the team through professionalism, positivity and high standards.
Working alongside Down Syndrome Kerry's Employment Support Specialists, the Cafe Manager will create an environment where employees with Down syndrome can develop confidence, workplace skills and independence through meaningful employment. While Employment Support Specialists provide structured workplace supports and person-centred coaching, the Cafe Manager will reinforce learning through everyday cafe operations by demonstrating tasks, coaching in the moment and supporting employees to succeed within the cafe and retail environment.
Above all, we are looking for someone who believes that exceptional hospitality creates opportunity-for customers, employees and the wider community.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Management
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Lead the day-to-day operation of the cafe, ensuring excellent service, quality and efficiency.
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Deliver consistently high standards of food preparation, presentation and customer service.
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Foster a culture where great food, attention to detail and hospitality excellence are at the heart of everything we do.
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Ensure compliance with HACCP, food safety legislation, health and safety regulations and organisational policies.
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Develop, implement and review standard operating procedures.
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Manage opening and closing procedures.
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Maintain a clean, safe, welcoming and well-presented cafe at all times.
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Ensure all equipment is maintained and operated safely.
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Continually identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency and customer experience.
Leadership & Team Development
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Recruit, supervise and develop a motivated and professional cafe team.
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Lead by example, demonstrating excellent customer service, food preparation, and teamwork and workplace professionalism.
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Create a positive, inclusive and respectful working environment where every employee feels valued.
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Work alongside employees with Down syndrome, providing practical guidance, demonstrating tasks and reinforcing learning throughout the working day.
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Encourage confidence, independence and pride through positive coaching and constructive feedback.
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Work collaboratively with Down Syndrome Kerry's Employment Support Specialists, who provide individual employment supports and structured workplace coaching.
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Foster teamwork, communication and mutual respect across the entire workforce.
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Support a culture where everyone is encouraged to learn, contribute and succeed.
Business & Financial Management
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Deliver agreed financial targets and support the long-term sustainability of the cafe.
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Monitor sales, labour costs, food costs and gross margins.
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Manage budgets, stock control, and purchasing and supplier relationships.
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Analyse trading performance and identify opportunities for growth.
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Produce regular management reports.
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Implement cost control measures while maintaining quality.
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Identify opportunities to increase revenue through catering, seasonal events and community initiatives.
Customer Experience
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Ensure every customer receives a warm welcome and an exceptional cafe experience.
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Build a reputation for outstanding food, friendly service and genuine hospitality.
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Respond professionally and promptly to customer feedback.
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Encourage repeat business through consistently high standards.
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Promote the cafe as a welcoming destination for both locals and visitors.
Community Engagement
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Act as an ambassador for Down Syndrome Kerry and The Mill Cafe.
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Promote awareness of inclusive employment and the abilities of people with Down syndrome.
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Develop relationships with local businesses, tourism partners, schools and community organisations.
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Support promotional events, fundraising activities and community engagement initiatives.
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Help establish The Mill Cafe as one of Kerry's leading social enterprises.
Administration & Compliance
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Prepare staff rosters and oversee daily scheduling.
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Maintain operational records and reporting systems.
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Ensure compliance with employment legislation and organisational policies.
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Monitor staff training records and mandatory certifications.
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Participate in organisational planning and continuous improvement.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
Applicants should demonstrate:
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A minimum of eight years' experience within the hospitality, catering or cafe sector.
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Significant experience managing a successful cafe, restaurant or hospitality business.
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Strong commercial and financial management skills.
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Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
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A genuine passion for quality food, hospitality and customer service.
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Excellent understanding of HACCP, food safety and health and safety requirements.
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Experience managing budgets, purchasing, stock control and supplier relationships.
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Strong organisational, planning and problem-solving skills.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
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Confidence using Microsoft Office, point-of-sale systems and digital scheduling software.
Experience operating or owning an independent hospitality business would be a distinct advantage.
Desirable Experience
While previous experience supporting people with intellectual disabilities is welcomed, it is not essential.
We encourage applications from candidates who demonstrate:
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A commitment to inclusive employment.
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Patience, empathy and excellent coaching skills.
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A willingness to undertake disability awareness and inclusive employment training.
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Experience within social enterprise, community development or vocational training would be advantageous.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will be:
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Passionate about good food and exceptional hospitality.
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Proud to create memorable customer experiences.
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A confident and approachable leader.
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Positive, patient and encouraging.
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Commercially aware and solutions-focused.
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Highly organised and dependable.
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Calm under pressure.
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Adaptable and resilient.
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Committed to inclusion, equality and continuous improvement.
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Motivated by creating opportunities that change lives.
Success in this Role
Success will be measured through:
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Excellent customer satisfaction.
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Strong financial performance.
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Consistently high food and hospitality standards.
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Compliance with food safety and organisational policies.
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Staff engagement and retention.
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Successful collaboration with Employment Support Specialists.
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Growth in employee confidence, workplace skills and independence.
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Increased visitor numbers and community engagement.
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A reputation as one of Kerry's most welcoming cafes.
Additional Requirements
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Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and public holidays as required.
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Successful completion of Garda Vetting.
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Food Safety and Manual Handling certification (or willingness to obtain).
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Full clean driving licence is desirable.
Join Our Team
The Mill Cafe is more than a place to eat-it is a place where food, genuine hospitality and meaningful employment come together.
We are looking for a Cafe Manager who takes pride in serving great food, building an outstanding team and creating opportunities for people with Down syndrome to flourish in a real working environment.
If you are passionate about hospitality, believe in leading by example and want to be part of something truly special, we would love to hear from you.
