Bring your hospitality expertise and people leadership skills to one of Napier’s most popular destinations. As Café Lead, you’ll oversee day-to-day operations, shape menus in partnership with our Head Chef, and deliver exceptional food, beverages, and customer experiences. You’ll manage and inspire a talented team, maintain the highest standards of quality, safety, and service, and keep things running smoothly — from rostering and stock control to event catering and compliance.
If you’re an experienced hospitality professional with strong leadership skills, a knack for creating great customer experiences, and the ability to keep both coffee and culture flowing, we’d love to hear from you.
Te Āheinga - The Opportunity
- Lead daily café operations at Ocean Spa, ensuring great service, quality, and compliance.
- Work with the Head Chef to create menus that delight customers and support sustainability.
- Manage stock, ordering, equipment, and health & safety.
- Oversee rosters, recruitment, training, and performance management for a skilled team.
- Act as Duty Manager for evening events and maintain liquor licensing compliance.
He kōrero mōhou - About You
- 3+ years’ hospitality experience, ideally in café or food service leadership.
- Strong skills in food handling, barista work, customer service, and cash management.
- Food Safety (NZQA 167) and LCQ/Duty Manager certification (or ability to obtain).
- Confident leader who fosters a positive, customer-focused team culture.
- Organised, solutions-focused, and able to juggle multiple priorities in a busy environment.
Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer
- 5 weeks annual leave after 2 years service
- Discounted Health Insurance Work Scheme + Eye Test Subsidy
- Retailer Discounts + Study assistance
- Employee Assistance Program (OCP)
- Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club
- Free flu vaccinations (annual)
- Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka
- Te Reo Māori language classes
This is a permanent, full time opportunity working 40 hours a week (on a roster). You will be based at Ocean Spa on Napier’s Marine Parade.
The annual salary package for this role is between $68,500 and $80,600 (including KiwiSaver), depending on your skills and experience.
We will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person.
He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC
At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!
Part of our success is shaped by our ability to foster strong, enduring relationships between NCC, Mana Whenua, and Iwi. Our Māori Partnerships team - Te Waka Rangapū – enhance our cultural capability and awareness through education, training, and resources to strengthen cultural competencies.
Before joining our team, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks, including drug testing for a safe workplace. Some roles may also require health screening.
As part of holding a role with Napier City Council, you may be called on to assist in Civil Defence emergencies—an opportunity to support our community when it matters most.
Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description
Job Description – Cafe Lead
