Cafe Manager

The Café Manager is the leader of the retail store and the primary point of contact for the café team. This role demands a proactive, resourceful leader who can make sound decisions under pressure. The Café Manager acts with urgency and strong judgment to address dynamic challenges—whether coordinating timely repairs for critical equipment, resolving unexpected staffing issues, or stepping in to ensure operations run smoothly.

With a hands-on approach and strong leadership presence, they prioritize professionalism, open communication, and exceptional customer engagement. The Café Manager fosters a high-performing team and a welcoming environment while embodying Commonwealth Joe’s core values of excellence, humility, teamwork, and continuous learning.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & 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 shrinkage, 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.
• Coordinates staff training and development in partnership with the management team.
• Builds 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.
• Partners 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 in a positive manner both on and off shift.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and the ability to perform all roles within the retail environment as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Café Manager directly supervises all café employees and is responsible for the overall leadership, coordination, and performance of the retail team. This role carries full supervisory responsibility and is exercised in accordance with Commonwealth Joe policies and all applicable laws.

Responsibilities include 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; and addressing employee questions, concerns, and workplace issues in a fair and timely manner.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

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

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Passionate about coffee, hospitality, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Demonstrates a proactive, “can-do” mindset and seeks practical, effective solutions.
• Quick learner with strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Balances attention to detail with the ability to think strategically and see the big picture.
• Effectively prioritizes and manages multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Approaches challenges with patience, curiosity, and follow-through.
• Maintains flexibility and availability to address unforeseen needs (e.g., maintenance issues, staffing gaps) to ensure smooth café operations.

COMPUTER & TECHNOLOGY SKILLS

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

BENEFITS

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