Cafe General Manager in Cambridge

Job Description TITLE: Café Bakery Manager DATE: 9/3/2026 DEPARTMENT: Operations FLSA STATUS: Exempt REPORTS TO: Owner/Director LABOR GRADE: Salary APPROVED BY: APPROVED DATE: Job Summary CSCA Café is a café and bakery in Cambridge, MA, run by the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts.

Since opening in early 2025, it has become a favorite neighborhood gathering spot, offering exceptional coffee alongside pastries, specialty desserts, spreads, and syrups that are all made from scratch, in-house, by CSCA's culinary talent.

We pride ourselves on providing top-notch service, the highest quality products, showcasing the work of CSCA's Professional students, and creating a community space where customers can relax and enjoy their favorite beverages and baked goods.

The Café Bakery Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the café bakery, leading a team of baristas, and partnering with our pastry chefs to ensure exceptional customer service, efficient operations, and high-quality product delivery.

This role involves managing staff, scheduling, inventory, budgets, and maintaining a welcoming, spotless environment for customers.

To be successful in this role, you should have proven experience managing in a café, bakery, or restaurant setting.

Ultimately, you will help increase profitability, boost customer engagement, and build a culture of hospitality that keeps CSCA Café the favorite neighborhood spot.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day café operations,
• Recruit, hire, onboard, and train baristas and support staff
• Lead, train, and develop a team of Shift Leads, Baristas, and support staff
• Build fiscally responsible schedules that keep the café sufficiently, yet efficiently covered, even when someone calls out
• Manage vendor relationships, ordering, and inventory — and keep waste in check
• Partner with our Executive Pastry Chef, Production Lead, and ownership on menu development and seasonal specials
• Work with your barista team to develop trendy and unique seasonal drink specials
• Monitor budgets and sales performance, and find smart ways to control costs
• Collaborate with the marketing team on promotions and events
• Keep the cafe spotless, welcoming, and up to health and safety code
• Turn customer feedback into action — and turn first-time visitors into regulars
• Create a culture of hospitality that is second to none
• Partner with CSCA's Academics and Student Life teams to support student learning opportunities as needed

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in cafe, bakery, or restaurant management (required: managerial experience in food or hospitality)
• Previous Hands-on experience with professional coffee equipment, Barista experience preferred
• A Serv Safe Food Manager certification (or equivalent)
• Strong organizational skills — able to juggle a rush, a delivery, and a scheduling gap all at once
• A genuine, customer-first attitude and leadership skills to bring a team along with you
• Comfort with MS Office
• High school diploma or GED required; a degree in Culinary/Pastry Arts, Business Administration, or Business Management is preferred
• Availability to work within café hours, including weekends and holidays
• The drive to do whatever it takes to succeed
• Physical Demands
• The ability to lift 25+ pounds and stand for long periods of time

Work Environment

• This job operates in a retail/restaurant environment
• Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
• This is a full-time, salaried position
• Work hours are 40+ hours per week
• Schedule based on operating hours and business needs

Benefits

• Competitive, bonus-eligible salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee discounts
• Real opportunities for professional growth