General Manager, Origin

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About Origin

We’ve come a long way since 2004—and we’re just getting started. As one of the longest-standing independent coffee roasters on UK shores, the love of coffee fuels everything we do.

We are on an exciting growth journey, striving to deliver our unique take on speciality coffee and hospitality to more people than ever before.

We build, nurture, and champion relationships at the source, celebrating producers, seasonality, and provenance. We support direct trade, traceability, and quality. From crop to cup, every step of our journey is considered; we’re proud to be held accountable, always striving for better ways to do business, placing people and the planet before profit.

Our product range includes more than just fantastic coffee. We are also passionate about bringing the world of speciality to life through a programme of education, from teaching professional SCA qualifications to at-home enthusiast brewing courses. Our digital channels allow us to offer engaging learning content, such as onsite ‘how-to guides’ and inspiring social content series.

We are proud to roast for some of the UK’s leading independent speciality coffee shops, bakeries, hotels, and restaurants. We have 1000’s of at-home coffee subscribers and eight beautiful coffee shops across London, Cornwall, Bristol, and Edinburgh.

The role overview

As General Manager, you will leverage your strong background in speciality coffee and hospitality operations to elevate the coffee experience in Scoresby Street, Southwark. You will lead the go-to destination for coffee enthusiasts, local business workers, and passersby, enhancing Origin’s presence and upholding our brand’s philosophy.

You will manage a team of dedicated baristas, ensuring exceptional customer service while optimising profitability and brand success. Effective collaboration with our Head of Retail, Founder, CEO, and departmental leads will be essential for driving creative direction, strategy, and ambition.

Main Areas of Focus

• Guest Experience
  People
  Operations
  Role Responsibilities

Guest Experience

• Ensure customers receive service and coffee that aligns with our aspirations of being Europe’s leading speciality coffee roaster.
• Maintain a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring all customers have a positive experience.

People

• Develop a well-skilled and engaged barista team whose ambitions and goals match Origin Coffee’s.
• Oversee staffing levels, scheduling, and training to ensure operational needs are met and budgetary guidelines are followed.
• Foster a positive work culture that promotes teamwork, respect, and professionalism.
• Act as a mentor, providing team members with development opportunities and career progression.

Operations

• Ensure the café is clean, tidy, and meets high standards of operational excellence.
• Implement, monitor, and update Origin’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistent and compliant operations.
• Manage supplier relationships to secure the best value and maintain optimal stock levels.
• Oversee customer service and front-of-house operations to ensure continuity and high standards.
• Collaborate with baristas to maintain a range of exceptional coffees, ensuring consistent quality.

Brand and Marketing

• Maintain and enhance retail displays and store designs to reflect the Origin brand and provide the best customer experience.
• Lead and support events and functions to promote Origin’s brand and engage customers.

Communication

• Establish and maintain effective communication channels with key departments, including brand, marketing, customer service, finance, and operations.
• Ensure all necessary information is cascaded to team members to keep them informed and engaged.
• Foster open and transparent communication within the team to enhance collaboration and efficiency.

Financials

• Overseeing sales, labour productivity, cost control, and effective purchasing will help you meet or exceed financial obligations and profitability targets.
• Manage and analyse financial KPIs, including wages to sales ratio, P&L, average transaction values, and cost of goods sold (COGS).
• Enhance financial performance through customer loyalty programmes and streamlined revenue streams.

Health and Safety

• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, risk management, and food safety standards.
• Train all team members in health and safety practices, including HACCP, First Aid, and the SCA Coffee Diploma.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and audits to ensure ongoing compliance and safety.

KPIs (based on management accounts and budget forecast)

• Revenue
• GP% / cost of sales
• Wages to sales %

To be successful in this role, these are the things that matter the most:

• Proven experience in speciality coffee and hospitality, providing exceptional customer service and creating memorable experiences.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to build and mentor a well-skilled and engaged team whose ambitions and goals align with those of Origin Coffee.
• Hands-on experience in managing café or hospitality operations, ensuring cleanliness, efficiency, and adherence to high standards of operational excellence.
• You have demonstrated the ability to maintain and enhance retail displays and store designs, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and creating a compelling customer experience.
• Excellent communication skills, both within a team and with key departments, to ensure effective information flow and collaboration.
• Solid financial acumen, including experience in managing P&L and KPIs and achieving financial targets through sales optimisation, cost control, and strategic purchasing.
• Knowledge and experience in maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations, conducting risk assessments, and training team members in safety practices.
• Ability to build relationships within the coffee industry. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Skills and Experience

• Degree in hospitality or business or equivalent experience.
• General management experience in speciality coffee.
• Financial acumen and experience in managing P&L and KPIs.
• Proficiency in Office 365 and digital systems.
• Experience in B-Corp accredited organizations or similar environments.

Essential Qualities

• High standards and ease with demanding people.
• Inspiring, enthusiastic, and energized leadership.
• Friendly, confident, personable, and trustworthy.
• Attention to detail, efficiency, and organisation. Informal yet professional demeanour.
• Self-motivated with the ability to adapt and navigate evolving industry landscapes.

Apply here