Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Cafe Manager is a hands-on operational leadership role responsible for overseeing daily cafe operations. This position requires strong understanding of food-service operations, systems, inventory control, ordering, scheduling, and cost awareness, along with the ability to lead people with care, accountability, and professionalism.

This role is not administrative-only. The Cafe Manager is expected to actively participate in ordering, pricing support, systems execution, and team leadership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations & Systems

- Oversee daily cafe operations ensuring efficiency, consistency, and service quality.

- Understand, follow, and improve operational systems and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

- Identify operational gaps and resolve issues independently before escalation.

Inventory, Ordering & Cost Control

- Manage ordering for cafe products based on par levels, usage, and sales trends.

- Maintain accurate inventory control using POS and inventory management systems.

- Conduct weekly and monthly inventory counts and report variances.

- Assist ownership in building and maintaining cost-to-sell pricing, including food cost, portioning, waste, and margin awareness.

- Track ingredient and product cost changes and communicate impacts to pricing or profitability.

- Support menu pricing decisions with operational data.

Scheduling & Labor Management

- Build, manage, and adjust staff schedules based on food-service flow, prep needs, and customer volume.

- Ensure compliance with labor laws, break requirements, and coverage needs.

- Balance labor efficiency with team wellbeing and operational demands.

Consignment Vendor Coordination

- Coordinate and manage consignment vendors, including intake, display standards, basic tracking, and communication.

- Support accurate POS setup and sales tracking for consignment items.

- Maintain organized records related to consignment inventory and vendor agreements.

Accountability & Financial Awareness

- Monitor food, labor, and inventory costs within established targets.

- Understand how daily decisions impact profitability.

- Hold self and team accountable to schedules, systems, standards, and expectations.

- Ensure completion of daily, weekly, and monthly operational tasks.

Leadership & Team Development

- Lead, train, and support cafe team members.

- Train staff on systems, inventory handling, ordering procedures, and service standards.

- Enforce expectations consistently and professionally.

- Address performance issues promptly and respectfully.

- Foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful workplace culture.

Technology & Physical Expectations

- Use POS, inventory tools, scheduling software, email, and shared documents daily.

- Maintain accurate digital records for inventory, sales, staffing, and operations.

- Maintain a hands-on presence on the floor.

- Able to stand for extended periods, lift supplies, and work in a fast-paced food-service environment.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

- 2+ years management experience in food service or cafe environments.

- Demonstrated experience with inventory management, ordering, and cost control.

- Experience supporting menu costing or cost-to-sell pricing decisions.

- Strong understanding of food-service scheduling and labor planning.

- Strong computer proficiency required, including POS systems, inventory software, and basic office tools.

- Proven ability to lead people with accountability, professionalism, and emotional intelligence.

- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make independent operational decisions.

- Organized, detail-oriented, and systems-driven.

- Aligned with Lil T Cup Cafe's values of inclusion, community, creativity, and care.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance
Work Location: In person