General Manager - Restaurant

Café Manager

uji is a matcha-focused café, shop, and gathering space in downtown Wilmington. We’re looking for a hands-on, organized, and dependable Café Manager to work directly with the owner to oversee daily operations and help grow the business.

This is an active management role for someone who can take ownership of the day-to-day, keep the team organized, and ensure the shop runs smoothly. You’ll work closely with the owner on operations, staffing, inventory, events, and the overall customer experience, while taking the lead on daily responsibilities and stepping in wherever needed.

We’re looking for someone who is proactive, detail-oriented, and comfortable balancing the administrative side of management with hands-on café work.

Responsibilities

Daily Operations

• Open the shop and oversee daily opening procedures, ensuring everything is prepared for service.
• Manage day-to-day operations and ensure the café and retail space remain organized, clean, and welcoming.
• Identify operational needs, solve problems independently, and communicate important updates to the owner.

Employee Management

• Create and manage employee schedules, coordinate shift coverage, and ensure appropriate staffing levels.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training new employees.
• Provide day-to-day team leadership, delegate responsibilities, and help maintain consistent service standards.
• Communicate expectations, provide feedback, and address staffing or performance concerns as needed.

Inventory and Ordering

• Monitor inventory levels and manage ordering for ingredients, beverages, retail products, and operating supplies.
• Receive deliveries, organize storage, and ensure the shop is properly stocked.
• Communicate purchasing needs and inventory concerns to the owner.

Café Service and Drink Preparation

• Prepare matcha, coffee, and other menu items according to established recipes and quality standards.
• Step behind the bar and support the team during busy periods.
• Help maintain consistency in drink quality, presentation, and service.

Customer Experience

• Provide thoughtful, attentive customer service and help create a welcoming environment.
• Handle customer questions, concerns, and service issues professionally.
• Ensure the shop consistently reflects uji’s standards and values.

Events and Special Programming

• Work with the owner to support evening events, tastings, workshops, and other special programming.
• Help coordinate and execute Friday and Saturday evening dinners, including preparation, setup, service, and breakdown.
• Support the operational side of dinner service, working with the owner to ensure a smooth and well-organized guest experience.
• Ensure the café is properly prepared for evening service and reset for regular operations afterward.

Working With the Owner

• Work directly with the owner on daily operations, staffing, inventory, and business needs.
• Communicate regularly about staffing, purchasing, customer feedback, and operational challenges.
• Help implement new procedures, improve workflows, and maintain consistency as the business grows.
• Take initiative and follow through on responsibilities without requiring constant direction.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a café, restaurant, coffee shop, or hospitality environment.
• Previous supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Experience with employee scheduling, staff training, and coordinating shift coverage.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Dependable, proactive, and comfortable working independently.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to lead a team while maintaining a hands-on approach.
• Comfortable multitasking and staying composed in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible availability for morning shifts, some evenings, and weekends.
• Interest in matcha or Japanese food/culture is a plus.

Schedule

Approximately 40 hours per week, with a flexible schedule based on business needs. Opening the shop and overseeing morning operations will be a primary responsibility. Weekend availability is required, with Friday and Saturday evenings generally expected to be available for dinner service and special programming.

We understand that flexibility matters and are willing to work with the right candidate to accommodate their needs whenever possible. Schedules will be coordinated in advance, with the expectation that the manager can provide consistent coverage during key service hours.

Who You Are

You’re someone who takes initiative, stays one step ahead, and takes pride in keeping things running smoothly. You can manage a schedule, keep inventory organized, support employees, make drinks during a rush, and handle unexpected issues with confidence.

You enjoy being involved in the details while also understanding the bigger picture. You’re comfortable working closely with a business owner, communicating openly, and helping turn ideas into action. Most importantly, you’re someone the team can rely on and the owner can trust to take responsibility for the day-to-day.

If you enjoy hospitality, thrive in a hands-on leadership role, and want to help build something special in Wilmington, we’d love to hear from you.

Pay: $36,000.00 - $42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid training

Language:

• English (Required)

Location:

• Wilmington, NC 28401 (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $36,000 - $42,000