General Manager (Miss J's Cafe)

The General Manager at Miss J's Cafe is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the café’s operations, ensuring excellent customer service, high-quality food and beverage offerings, and a positive work environment. The GM will manage staff, enforce policies, maintain budgets, and drive revenue through strategic planning and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership & Development:
• Lead, motivate, and manage a team of front-of-house and back-of-house staff.
• Provide ongoing training to ensure staff understand menu offerings, customer service expectations, and operational standards.
• Conduct performance evaluations, recognize achievements, and address any employee issues promptly.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment.
• Customer Service Excellence:
• Ensure that every customer receives exceptional service from all team members.
• Handle customer inquiries, concerns, and complaints with professionalism and care.
• Operational Oversight:
• Oversee the daily operations of the café, ensuring smooth service during all hours of operation.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of both front-of-house and back-of-house areas, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Manage inventory, ordering supplies, and stock levels to ensure seamless operations.
• Ensure that food preparation standards are maintained and that food quality consistently meets customer expectations.
• Financial Management:
• Monitor and manage the café’s financial performance, including labor costs, food and beverage costs, and overall profitability.
• Ensure that the café operates within its budget, and optimize operational efficiency.
• Prepare and analyze financial reports, setting goals for increasing revenue and reducing unnecessary costs.
• Marketing & Community Engagement:
• Implement local marketing initiatives to promote the café and increase foot traffic, including social media, email campaigns, and community outreach.
• Collaborate with the owner to plan special events, seasonal promotions, or menu changes to keep the café exciting and fresh.
• Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, community leaders, and customers to enhance brand recognition and loyalty.
• Compliance & Safety:
• Ensure all staff adhere to health and safety regulations, including food handling, sanitation, and workplace safety.
• Conduct regular safety inspections and manage compliance with food safety standards.
• Stay informed of local laws and regulations affecting café operations, ensuring that the business is in full compliance.
• Vendor & Supplier Relationships:
• Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers, ensuring quality products at competitive prices.
• Negotiate contracts and pricing, reviewing orders and deliveries to ensure accuracy.
• Menu & Quality Control:
• Work with chefs and kitchen staff to maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, and consistency.
• Oversee the creation and implementation of new menu items or seasonal specials, ensuring they align with customer preferences and café goals.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Proven experience in a management role within the hospitality industry, preferably in a café or casual dining environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent customer service and conflict resolution abilities.
• Solid understanding of financials, including budgeting, P&L management, and cost control.
• Ability to think strategically to drive business growth and improve customer satisfaction.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices in the restaurant industry.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings.
• Passion for food, coffee, and creating an exceptional guest experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent; degree in business management or hospitality a plus.