Cafe Manager

Café Manager at II City Plaza in Downtown Baton Rouge

The City Roots Cafe Manager holds overall responsibility for the daily operations of the cafe, serving as a passionate leader who embodies the brand’s unique ambiance and customer-centric values. In this role, the manager oversees the strategic planning, hiring, and ongoing training of the team to ensure consistent operational excellence. They lead by example to foster superior guest engagement and service, while simultaneously upholding rigorous product standards through continuous staff education. Beyond managing the internal environment for safety and cleanliness, the manager proactively cultivates local community relationships and identifies strategic opportunities for neighborhood engagement.

Leadership Qualities

• Champion Team and Community Passion: Demonstrate an authentic commitment to leading the team, serving our guests, and advocating for the local community and the craft products we provide.
• Drive Operational and Sales Excellence: Lead the team to deliver superior service and high-quality products with a "hyper-local" focus that supports our community partners while strategically achieving sales targets.
• Embody the Brand Experience: Personally model and uphold all operational standards, services, and responsibilities as the primary representative of the City Roots Coffee Bar brand.
• Foster Growth through Coaching: Proactively identify potential within the team, providing real-time feedback and encouragement to build a culture of continuous improvement and employee empowerment.
• Lead with Accountability and Empathy: Maintain a stable, supportive environment by taking ownership of results and approaching challenges with patience and professional kindness

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop sales goals and foster a teamwork attitude to achieve and exceed results. This includes developing programs and incentives to meet sales and operational objectives.
• Plan, identify, communicate, and delegate roles and responsibilities to maintain smooth and equitable café operations and education.
• Plan schedules and manage labor that aligns with business needs and meets established labor budgets and cost controls.
• Continuously facilitate the ongoing training and development of all staff members.
• Control profit and loss (P&L) by managing labor, inventory, cash handling, supplies, and expenses, and by reviewing financial reports regularly.
• Utilize sales reporting tools effectively to increase sales and enhance overall profitability.
• Ensure all financial duties and reporting are completed accurately and on time, including administrative tasks, payroll processing, and personnel activities.
• Manage the full employee life cycle, including recruiting, interviewing, hiring, developing staff, maintaining accurate employee records, and ensuring compliance with all labor laws.
• Carry out and enforce disciplinary actions for team members, up to and including termination, in line with company policy.
• Actively seek guest feedback to fulfill the needs of both guests and the local community.

Requirements

• Operational Independence: Proven ability to manage all cafe operations independently with minimal supervision.
• Strategic Results: Ability to plan, prioritize, and achieve measurable results within a fast-paced food and beverage environment.
• Team Leadership: Strong background in team management with a deep understanding of leadership dynamics and staff development.
• Service Excellence: Extensive guest service experience with a demonstrated mastery of advanced service and conflict-resolution techniques.
• Availability: Ability to maintain a standard 40-hour work week, including consistent weekend availability as business needs dictate.
• Management Track Record: 2+ years of supervisory experience with a documented history of strong leadership and personnel management skills.

Physical Demands

To successfully perform the essential functions of this role, the manager must be able to:

• Transport and position materials weighing up to 5 lbs frequently and up to 40 lbs occasionally.
• Detect and distinguish sensory details to accurately describe the quality and profiles of various food and beverage products.
• Maintain a stationary position or move throughout the cafe for extended periods, typically ranging from 4 to 8 hours per shift.
• Perform repetitive movements and safely operate small cafe machinery and specialized equipment.
• Communicate effectively and frequently with guests, team members, and community partners to exchange accurate information.

Work Environment

The manager will operate within the following environment to fulfill the essential functions of the position:

• Diverse Operational Settings: Work is performed within the cafe, in an office setting for administrative tasks, and at various off-site locations for community events or business-to-business operations.
• Environmental Exposure: Regular exposure to heat from brewing and cooking equipment is expected.
• Safety Awareness: The role involves working near mechanical parts and electrical components, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols.
• Noise Levels: The work environment typically maintains a dynamic and moderately loud noise level.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.