Southern Cross Grammar – Caroline Springs VIC

At Southern Cross Grammar, we believe education is most powerful when a student is truly known and their potential is unlocked to shape what comes next.

We are an independent, co-educational, non-denominational Foundation to Year 12 school located in Caroline Springs, Victoria. Established in 2011, we are united by a clear purpose: to develop people who make a positive difference in the world. Through evidence-based teaching, strong relationships, and a commitment to wellbeing our students are supported by staff who champion their unique journey. We prepare our students for lives of purpose and impact, grounded in the belief that when students matter, futures shine brighter.

We invite applications from experienced café professionals to lead our Centauri Café, a student-led enterprise that gives Year 9 and 10 students the opportunity to develop real-world café, customer service, leadership and employability skills.

This is not your typical café role. As Head of the Café Program, you will oversee the day-to-day operation of the café while coaching students as they learn the practical skills involved in running a successful café. Year 9 students participate as trainees, while returning Year 10 students progress into leadership roles, helping to induct, coach and support the next group of students.

You will create an environment where students can learn by doing, gradually building the confidence and capability to take greater responsibility for café operations.

What you'll be doing

- lead the day-to-day operation of the Centauri Café and supervise student-led service
- train students in coffee preparation, latte art, customer service, food handling, coffee-machine care, stock management and cashless point-of-sale processes




- develop Year 10 students as café team leaders and trainers who can support and coach younger students
- create clear training milestones that recognise students' progress from trainee through to trainer
- help students understand the fundamentals of running a small café, including orders, workflow, stock and customer experience
- maintain a safe, organised, welcoming and productive café environment
- manage stock requirements and work with the Finance team on ordering, point-of-sale settlements and reconciliations
- keep induction materials, skills checklists and operating procedures current
- look for new ways to develop the café experience, including opportunities such as pre-ordering, collection, classroom delivery and, over time, extending service to School families.

Hours of work during term time

Monday to Friday: 7:30am – 9:30am Monday to Thursday: 2:45pm – 4:45pm

In addition to these regular hours, there will be occasions when the Centauri Café opens to support key School events. The Head of Café Program will therefore need some flexibility to work additional hours by arrangement, including during the school day, evenings and occasional weekends.

About you

You may come from a café, hospitality or catering background, but just as important will be your ability to teach, encourage and bring out the best in young people.





- sound barista and café operational skills
- an understanding of food safety, hygiene and safe café operations
- the ability to coach young people patiently and confidently
- strong organisational and time-management skills
- excellent communication and teamwork skills
- a practical, hands‑on approach and the ability to step in and demonstrate skills when students need support
- a genuine interest in creating an experience where students can develop independence, confidence and responsibility.

Why this role is different

The Centauri Café is not simply about serving coffee. It is a practical learning environment where students develop skills they can take with them beyond school.

You will have the opportunity to shape a program that combines hospitality, mentoring, leadership and enterprise, creating an experience students can genuinely take ownership of as their skills grow.

If you are an experienced café professional who enjoys working with young people and wants to use your hospitality experience to create a meaningful, hands‑on learning experience for students, we encourage you to apply.

Southern Cross Grammar is committed to providing a safe environment for all children and young people. The successful applicants will be required to comply with the School's Child Safe Policy and Code of Conduct.

Conditions of Employment

- Southern Cross Grammar is an Equal Opportunity Employer
- Current Working With Children Check and National Police Check
- Current level 2 First Aid and CPR Certificate, Asthma and Anaphylaxis training or willingness to undertake
- A salary will be paid according to qualifications and experience as per Southern Cross Enterprise Agreement 2023.

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📌 Head of Café Program (Melbourne)
🏢 Southern Cross Grammar
📍 Melbourne