Cafe General Manager

@ Goodwin Recruiting
Goodwin Recruitinggoodwinrecruiting.com

Cafe General Manager

Cambridge, MA
Posted 4 days ago

About the job

We are a values-driven café chain focused on quality, community, and positive culture. The Store Operations Leader ensures daily success in customer service, team development, and operational excellence at flagship locations.

Requirements

  • Leadership in hospitality or food
  • Team development skills
  • Operations management experience
  • Strong communication skills
  • Adaptability in fast-paced settings

Qualifications

  • 3-5 years leadership experience
  • Experience in cafés or specialty coffee
  • Knowledge of food safety standards
  • Familiar with POS and inventory systems

Full job description

We’re a fast-growing, values-driven café brand that’s redefining what everyday food service can be. With locations in vibrant neighborhoods across major cities, we focus on meaningful moments, consistent quality, and community-driven service. Our mission is simple: deliver excellent coffee and culinary experiences while fostering a positive, people-first culture.


The Role

The Store Operations Leader plays a pivotal role in driving daily success at one of our flagship café locations. This position combines hands-on leadership with strategic oversight to create a welcoming and efficient environment for both guests and team members. As a Store Leader, you’ll be responsible for maintaining top-tier standards in customer service, operational precision, product delivery, and team growth.


Key Responsibilities

  • Build and nurture a motivated, inclusive, and high-performing team
  • Lead by example, setting a strong tone of professionalism, kindness, and accountability
  • Train and mentor team members, ensuring continuous development at all levels
  • Manage team scheduling, timekeeping, and payroll coordination
  • Collaborate on hiring decisions and guide onboarding for new team members
  • Ensure every guest has a consistently outstanding experience
  • Address customer concerns with empathy and professionalism
  • Encourage and model hospitality that goes beyond the transaction
  • Gather and act on customer feedback to refine service delivery
  • Maintain health, safety, and cleanliness standards to meet all local and internal requirements
  • Monitor and manage inventory, vendor orders, and supply chain flow
  • Handle cash management, compliance audits, and back-of-house reporting
  • Ensure beverage and food items meet brand standards for taste, presentation, and consistency
  • Train team members on product knowledge and preparation techniques
  • Monitor waste, manage portioning, and minimize operational losses

Who You Are

  • 3–5 years of leadership experience in hospitality, retail, or food & beverage
  • Proven ability to lead and develop diverse teams
  • Skilled in operations management, scheduling, and inventory systems
  • Strong communicator and confident decision-maker
  • Energized by fast-paced environments and shifting priorities
  • Passionate about creating memorable experiences and serving others
  • Experience working in specialty coffee or café environments
  • Familiarity with POS systems and labor management tools
  • Knowledge of food safety standards and regulatory compliance

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary ($65,000–$75,000 depending on location & experience)
  • 3 weeks Paid time off and sick leave
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Ongoing professional development opportunities
  • A dynamic, supportive work environment where your voice matters
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