Café Manager

Job Summary

The ideal Café Manager is a people-focused, service-oriented leader who can create a positive and accountable team environment while ensuring the café operates smoothly and consistently. This individual should be comfortable managing multiple priorities, following through on commitments, and using sound judgment to identify and resolve issues. Experience in food service or a union environment is preferred, but we are equally interested in candidates who demonstrate a strong willingness to learn, curiosity, and the initiative to increase efficiency and resolve issues.

As the Café Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day operation of the café, supervise and develop associates, ensure high standards of hospitality and service, and support financial and operational goals. You will play an important role in creating an engaging guest experience while maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily café operations, ensuring consistent execution of service, quality, hospitality, and operational standards.
• Hire, supervise, train, coach, and develop associates, fostering a positive, collaborative, and accountable team environment.
• Provide clear direction and support to associates while addressing performance, operational, and guest service concerns as needed.
• Manage multiple priorities effectively, demonstrating strong organization, follow-through, and attention to detail.
• Build strong relationships with associates, guests, and business partners through professional and responsive service.
• Plan, promote, and execute café special events, promotions, and initiatives designed to enhance the guest experience and drive engagement.
• Monitor café operations and identify opportunities to improve service, efficiency, quality, and overall business performance.
• Support financial responsibilities, including operating within budget, monitoring expenses, and identifying opportunities for cost control and business improvement.
• Ensure compliance with sanitation, food safety, cleanliness, and health department standards.
• Maintain accurate operational information and utilize systems such as OMS as appropriate; demonstrate a willingness to learn new technology and processes.
• Demonstrate curiosity and initiative by investigating discrepancies, asking questions, and taking action when something does not appear correct.
• Maintain a strong hospitality mindset and ensure guests receive a welcoming, professional, and consistent experience.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 1-3 years of relevant supervisory, management, hospitality, or food service experience preferred.
• Degree preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience managing or leading people in a fast-paced environment.
• Previous food service, restaurant, hospitality, corporate dining, education, healthcare, military, or related operational experience preferred.
• Previous experience working in a union environment is preferred.
• Strong multitasking, organization, follow-through, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, motivate, and build effective relationships with team members.
• Strong hospitality and customer service orientation.
• Willingness to learn new systems, processes, and operational responsibilities.
• Experience with OMS is preferred, or a willingness to learn.
• Operational knowledge of cash handling procedures and food service equipment preferred.
• Proficient computer skills, including Google Suite and/or Microsoft Office.
• ServSafe or Department of Health Certification is preferred.