General Manager

General Manager Job Description

Mission Statement:

It is our mission to provide our customers with excellent food and coffee in a fun and energetic environment.  We strive for friendly, intentional, and knowledgeable service that provides our customers with a consistent experience each time.  We are committed to serving high-quality products while fostering a dynamic, community-oriented atmosphere for our staff and clientele.  Our dedication to community extends past our local environment and insists that we recycle, reuse, and minimize waste as much as possible.

We strive to create and foster a supportive community for all people that emphasizes clear and direct communication and mutual respect.  All members of our staff are valued for the unique experience they bring to our company and are offered opportunities for personal and professional growth at every stage of their employment. 

General Manager Role:

The General Manager is the operational and cultural leader of the store. You'll be responsible for the day-to-day running of the store, from staffing and scheduling to financials, vendor relationships, and team development. You report directly to the CEO and are expected to bring both strong systems thinking and genuine people skills to the role.

Schedule/Commitment:

• Average 45 hours/week, including weekend availability
• Approximately 20–30 scheduled floor hours per week
• Minimum 2-year commitment expected

Team & Scheduling

• Build and manage the weekly schedule, balancing staff strengths, sales patterns, and coverage needs
• Directly manage shift runners and support their development as leaders
• Hold staff accountable for attendance, performance, and conduct
• Conduct staff reviews and make compensation recommendations

Taining & Development

• Write and oversee new hire training timelines
• Develop shift runners into a strong, cohesive team
• Collaborate with lead trainer on ongoing staff development

Communication:

• Regular structured meetings with shift runners (bi-weekly minimum)
• Weekly 1:1 with CEO
• Staff emails to keep the team informed on changes, updates, and announcements
• Timely, direct feedback conversations with staff at all levels

Customer Service/Hospitality:

• Prioritizing customers above everything else and making sure to set an example for excellent customer service
• Holding staff and shift runners to that standard

Operations and Vendors:

• Comprehensive knowledge of all vendors; manage ordering and troubleshoot delivery issues
• Maintain health codes and cleanliness standards throughout the store
• Oversee the implementation of new systems and hold shift runners accountable for execution

Food and drink presentation/Quality:

• Model high standards of food and drink presentation
• Work with the lead trainer to develop and maintain the coffee and rotating tea program

Financials:

• Stay aware of store sales, labor costs, and COGS
• Identify opportunities to increase revenue and reduce waste
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels

What we are looking for:

• ServSafe Manager Certified (or ability to obtain)
• Allergen Certified and CPR/Choking Certified
• Completion of Union training 
• Proficient in Google Sheets, Google Docs, and scheduling software
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines
• A genuine belief in our mission and interest in growing your leadership style within it

This job description does not state or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The employer retains the right to change or assign other obligations to this position.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. The person in this position needs to move about the cafe to perform different tasks quickly. They need to position themselves to move products from below the tables and reach above their head. They need to frequently communicate accurate information to coworkers. They need to observe employee interactions. The general manager must distinguish sweet, sour, bitter, and salty flavors when performing quality control on products. The employee must be able to move items weighing over 50 pounds.