CAFE MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION TEMPLATE

Schedule a week for a Cafe Manager in retail specialty cafe and two things define it: the floor never stops, and the numbers always follow you home. Guest count, gross margin, product mix, waste - these are live gauges, not quarterly reports. The Cafe Manager owns both the front-of-house experience and the P and L behind it, operating within a branded retail environment where food safety compliance and barista team development are daily accountabilities. Few management roles demand this particular combination of hospitality instinct and cost discipline at the unit level.

As the Cafe Manager, you lead all cafe operations within a retail setting, driving sales performance, product quality, and team development to deliver a consistently excellent guest experience. You report to the store manager while partnering with support teams on financials, staffing, and operational standards across the full cafe unit.

Career Impact: Owning a cafe P and L at the unit level - including gross margin, waste management, and product mix - builds the financial fluency that distinguishes a cafe operator from a floor supervisor in the retail hospitality market.

Business Impact: The guest experience, team retention, and profitability of the cafe unit depend directly on how well this role manages service standards, inventory ordering, and barista coaching on a daily basis.

Growth Opportunity: The combination of people leadership, retail financial accountability, and ServSafe-level compliance exposure positions a Cafe Manager for multi-unit operations, district-level roles, or broader retail general management.

Company Value: This role places you at the center of a brand-driven retail environment where team culture, elevated service standards, and community partnerships are active priorities alongside financial performance.

• Lead barista hiring, onboarding, and ongoing coaching to build a team capable of delivering consistent, guest-focused service.
• Review P and L reports, product mix data, waste figures, and gross margin results to identify opportunities and correct performance gaps.
• Manage cafe inventory levels by executing ordering practices that align supply with sales forecasts and minimize loss.
• Enforce compliance with food safety regulations, cafe service standards, and all store operational requirements.
• Drive sales goal achievement through floor presence, upselling practices, and converting existing retail traffic into cafe guests.
• Oversee product quality, preparation standards, and presentation to ensure every item meets brand specifications.
• Partner with the store manager and support teams to communicate performance trends, staffing needs, and operational improvements.
• Coordinate events, catering opportunities, and local vendor partnerships to support revenue growth beyond the standard menu.

• Bachelor's degree in hospitality, business, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of cafe or food service management experience, with demonstrated responsibility for team leadership and financial performance.
• ServSafe Food Manager certification or willingness to obtain before or immediately upon hire.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and health code compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to read and act on financial reports including P and L, labor cost, and gross margin data.
• Experience recruiting, developing, and evaluating hourly team members across multiple skill levels.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities across service, staffing, and operations.
• Ability to perform physical tasks including prolonged standing, lifting up to 50 pounds, and operating commercial espresso equipment.

• TABC certification or equivalent alcohol service credential for markets where the cafe serves licensed beverages.
• Experience managing vendor relationships, local partnerships, or catering and events programming within a retail or hospitality setting.
• Background in a branded retail or multi-location cafe environment with set menus and standardized food specifications.
• Proven track record of growing guest satisfaction scores and converting retail foot traffic into consistent cafe revenue.

• Gross margin percentage per period, measured against the cafe unit target.
• Waste percentage relative to total inventory ordered, tracked weekly.
• Sales goal attainment rate across beverage, food, and catering categories.
• Labor cost as a percentage of cafe revenue, evaluated against scheduled budget.
• Barista retention rate over rolling 90-day and 6-month periods.
• Guest satisfaction score or equivalent in-store feedback metric tied to service consistency.

• Base Salary Range: $48,000 to $62,000 annually, depending on market and experience.
• Bonus: Annual or quarterly performance bonus tied to cafe sales and margin targets.
• Equity: Typically not offered at this level in retail cafe operations.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage standard for full-time managers.
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually, plus paid holidays per company policy.
• Common Perks: Free or discounted food and beverages, product training, and retail employee discounts.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background check completion is a condition of employment for this role, and all offers are contingent on satisfactory results. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process upon request. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Cafe Manager owns the end-to-end customer experience by managing inventory, product quality, and team development across a retail cafe environment. Reporting to the store manager and working alongside support partners, the Cafe Manager delivers operational excellence and profitability through consistent service standards and barista coaching.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage cafe inventory levels by following cafe ordering practices.
• Manage product quality, preparation and presentation standards.
• Develop the cafe team through engagement and coaching to assess and recommend talent for development.
• Interview and hire baristas that will provide an optimal shopping experience for customers.
• Ensure the achievement of sales goals and deliver operational excellence to maximize efficiency and minimize loss.
• Review financials such as P and L, product mix, category sales, waste and gross margin reports to maximize sales and profitability.
• Ensure compliance to cafe standards as it pertains to safety, customer communications and all store operations.
• Communicate with the cafe team respectfully and in a timely manner on key issues and messages.

Required Qualifications

• At least two years of management experience, preferably in retail, food service, or hospitality.
• Knowledge of food safety, regulations, and standards.
• Solid cafe, food service, or hospitality knowledge.
• Experience in managing and developing employees at all levels.
• Effective organization, planning, and prioritization of workload.
• Ability to communicate effectively and comfortably.
• Experience building collaborative and productive working relationships at all levels.

Embedded within a literary community venue, the Cafe Manager leads FOH staffing, operational systems, and regulatory compliance for an independent cafe serving a writer-focused audience. Working closely with the cafe consultant, marketing teams at GrubStreet and Porter Square Books, the Cafe Manager advances daily service quality and event programming to support the broader organizational mission.

Core Functions

• Participate in the selection, hiring, and on-boarding of the initial cafe FOH staff, and lead that process once the cafe is open.
• Schedule staff hours and assign duties.
• Perform food preparation and service tasks, such as cooking, clearing tables, and serving food and drinks.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, county, and municipal regulations that pertain to health, safety, and labor requirements of the restaurant, employees, and guests.
• Order and purchase equipment and supplies.
• Control cash and other receipts by adhering to cash handling and reconciliation in accordance with cafe policies and procedures.
• Partner with GrubStreet staff and Porter Square Books to support events on the Writer's Stage.
• Coordinate with GrubStreet and PSB marketing teams to offer discounts, specials, and other programming.

Qualifications and Experience

• At least 2 years of experience managing a fast-paced cafe.
• ServSafe Food Manager and TIPS certifications required or willingness to obtain immediately.
• Creative problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm for the work.
• Team-first attitude with a passion for hospitality.
• Ability to move and carry objects weighing 25-50 lbs with or without assistance.
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts as necessary.

Reporting to senior leadership, the Cafe Manager drives full accountability for guest experience, sales growth, and team development across both FOH and BOH in a hospitality setting. Partnering with the broader store team, this role shapes cafe profitability by owning the profit and loss, controlling costs, and converting existing customer traffic into loyal guests.

Primary Duties

• Drive all cafe operations with full ownership of the cafe experience.
• Develop, inspire, and lead the cafe team to deliver excellent service.
• Take ownership of HR within the cafe including absence management and recruitment.
• Create an environment that balances serving the customer and fostering team culture.
• Be fully accountable for guest experience, finance, sales growth, legal compliance, and team development, both FOH and BOH.
• Focus energy on product availability, upselling, and controlling costs.
• Own the profit and loss to take necessary steps to improve cafe efficiency and profitability.
• Promote and market the cafe to convert existing traffic into guests.

Skills and Qualifications

• Management experience within the hospitality industry.
• In-depth knowledge of the hospitality industry.
• Track record of managing finance, in particular sales growth, labor costs, and gross margin.
• Evidence of growing guest satisfaction.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience and passion for appraising, training, and developing team members.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to inspire as a leader.
• Positive attitude with a passion for customer service.

Sitting at the intersection of food production and catering operations, the Cafe Manager prepares food to the highest standards while managing culinary teams and overseeing compliance with health and safety requirements. Operating across weekly business returns, KPI monitoring, and team training, this role sustains brand reputation and service excellence for the client organization.

Duties

• Prepare delicious food to the highest standards.
• Manage culinary and catering teams to ensure delivery of food and customer service.
• Oversee catering operations including completing weekly business returns, monitoring budgets, and implementing action plans.
• Communicate regularly with the line manager to monitor KPIs and targets.
• Represent the company and maintain a positive brand image.
• Support and train teams, leading from the front to ensure all team members can excel in their roles.
• Implement and review health and safety standards to ensure compliance across all catering and service teams.

Experience and Qualifications

• Previous management experience in a similar role.
• Basic Food Hygiene certificate required.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Passion for great-tasting food and exceptional customer service.
• Strong financial acumen.
• Ability to work comfortably in a fast-paced environment.

A key member of the campus food service department, the Cafe Manager supports kitchen and cafeteria operations by maintaining schedules, food safety standards, and accurate financial records for a Child Nutrition Services program. Collaborating across campus administration, nutrition staff, and district coordinators, this role ensures that food production meets mandated nutritional and sanitation requirements that directly support student wellbeing.

Functions

• Assist with maintaining work schedules and production records.
• Support daily activities in kitchen and cafeteria.
• Maintain all serving schedules and serve all food items according to menu specification.
• Maintain accurate reports of daily and monthly financial, production, and activity records.
• Arrange food and beverage items for efficient service to students and staff.
• Inspect food items and supplies to verify quantity, quality, and specifications of orders.
• Maintain equipment, storage, food preparation, and serving areas in a sanitary condition.
• Ensure food is produced safely and is of high quality according to policies, procedures, and department requirements.
• Collaborate with campus administration to support student programs and schedules.
• Assist with supervision, training, and coordination of activities of campus workers for the Child Nutrition Services program.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED recognized by the Texas Education Agency or regional accrediting agency.
• Food manager certification or willingness to obtain within 90 days of employment.
• ServSafe Certificate or willingness to obtain within 90 days of employment.
• Valid Texas driver's license with a safe driving record verified by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
• Three years of experience in institutional food service operations.
• Knowledge of methods, materials, equipment, and appliances used in food preparation.
• Ability to manage personnel and coordinate district functions effectively.
• Ability to perform basic math including calculations using fractions, percentages, and ratios.

Delivering a memorable guest experience depends on the Cafe Manager, who recruits and develops a cafe team aligned with brand values while overseeing inventory, events, COGS, and vendor partnerships to drive revenue. Based within a lifestyle retail environment and serving as a brand ambassador, the Cafe Manager builds community relationships and ensures food safety and alcohol compliance standards are upheld across all cafe operations.

Accountabilities

• Recruit, hire, coach, lead, and develop the cafe team to live out core values and provide a memorable customer experience.
• Cultivate and maintain a positive and uplifting work environment and family-centric culture.
• Act as a brand ambassador at all times by living out core values and setting an example for team members.
• Inspire the team to be fashion ambassadors through personal style choices and elevated brand representation.
• Cultivate strong cross-functional partnerships with peers, teams, local vendors, and partners across the company.
• Oversee critical cafe operations such as inventory management, scheduling, sourcing partnerships with local vendors, and managing COGS, pricing, discounts, and expenses to increase profitability.
• Oversee events, high teas, and catering opportunities for the cafe.
• Maintain a strong presence in the cafe to build relationships with customers, support the team, and drive revenue.

Background and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• TABC certification and a Texas food handlers certificate required.
• 3-5 years of restaurant experience and 2 years of bartending or barista experience preferred.
• Proven ability to execute consistently and reprioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to gain respect and trust quickly.
• Strong connection with local media, non-profit organizations, and key partners to drive traffic and awareness.
• High standard for food safety and alcohol rules and regulations.