Cafe Manager

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Accountable for achieving monthly and quarterly financial, product, and brand objectives at the café.
• Leads and directs the team to set goals, align priorities, and execute initiatives in support of company objectives.
• Proactively identifies opportunities to improve operations, team effectiveness, guest experience, and profitability, bringing forward thoughtful recommendations and proposed solutions.
• Uses data and reporting tools to analyze trends, diagnose challenges, and inform operational and people decisions.
• Manages store performance metrics, including sales targets, customer satisfaction, labor cost percentages, COGS, and shrink, ensuring alignment with overall business goals.
• Manages monthly COGS targets through effective inventory management, purchasing decisions, waste reduction, and data analysis.
• Manages monthly labor targets through thoughtful scheduling, deployment planning, and active participation on the floor when needed.
• Ensures the café is adequately staffed at all times, proactively addressing call-outs and unexpected staffing challenges, including stepping in to fill roles as necessary.
• Oversees recruitment, onboarding, training, and ongoing development of team members, fostering a culture of learning, craftsmanship, and accountability.
• Develops internal talent, identifies future leaders, and builds bench strength to support long-term store stability.
• Captures staff training and development in partnership with the management team.
• Buils and maintains strong, trusting relationships with team members, fostering open communication through regular team meetings and individual check-ins.
• Leads the team through change effectively by communicating expectations clearly, reinforcing standards, and holding team members accountable during transitions.
• Develops, implements, and maintains operational procedures and checklists to ensure consistency and efficiency.
• Leads day-to-day store operations, remaining present, accessible, and ready to support the team through daily challenges.
• Sets, models, and reinforces high standards of quality, speed of service, professionalism, and overall customer experience.
• Coordinates routine equipment maintenance and preventative care, and ensures timely repairs by working closely with vendors and contractors.
• Minimizes spoilage through inventory controls, product rotation, and responsible usage practices.
• Proactively plans for holidays, events, and seasonal initiatives to drive customer engagement and operational readiness.
• Pairs with the Café Director and cross-functional teams to engage the community both online and in person, deepen relationships with regular customers, and build connections with neighboring businesses.
• Demonstrates financial curiosity by understanding key drivers of profitability and actively testing ways to improve margins and guest spend.
• Maintains a high level of professionalism and represents Commonwealth Joe positively both on and off shift.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, and directing work.
• Setting and evaluating performance expectations.
• Coaching and developing team members.
• Recognizing performance.
• Administering corrective action when necessary.
• Addressing employee questions, concerns, and workplace issues in a fair and timely manner.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• A minimum of 2 years of management experience leading teams is required.
• Experience working in a retail and/or service-driven environment; café or hospitality experience is strongly preferred.
• A demonstrated attention to detail with high standards for quality, presentation, and execution is required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage individuals across a range of roles, skill sets, and perspectives, are required.
• A ServSafe certification is required (or the ability to obtain within a defined timeframe).

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• A passionate about coffee, hospitality, and delivering exceptional guest experiences is required.
• A proactive, "can-do" mindset and seeking practical, effective solutions are required.
• A quick learner with strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills are required.
• A balance between attention to detail and the ability to think strategically and see the big picture are required.
• An effective prioritization and management of multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment are required.
• An approach to challenges with patience, curiosity, and follow-through are required.
• A maintenance of flexibility and availability to address unforeseen needs (e.g., maintenance issues, staffing gaps) to ensure smooth café operations are required.

COMPUTER & TECHNOLOGY SKILLS

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or similar productivity tools is required.
• Experience using point-of-sale (POS) systems and inventory management tools is required.
• Familiarity with employee scheduling and payroll platforms (e.g., Gusto) is preferred.

PHYSICAL & OTHER DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. These may include standing for extended periods; moving, pushing, pulling, lifting, bending, and twisting; and frequent talking and listening in a busy café environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & SCHEDULE EXPECTATIONS

• The Café Manager works in a fast-paced café environment with a typically moderate noise level.
• This is a fully in-person role requiring consistent on-site presence and direct engagement with both the team and customers.
• The Café Manager is expected to work approximately 40 hours per week, with an estimated 24–30 hours spent actively on shift behind the bar.
• This role requires flexibility to support operational needs and maintain a strong leadership presence.
• Remote management is not permitted.

Starting Pay

$63,000 starting, with a scheduled 90-day performance review and salary increase.

BENEFITS

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Voluntary benefits - short-term disability, accident insurance, and life insurance
• 401(k)
• Free coffee!