At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily café operations and manage a passionate team of baristas and pastry chefs.
- Company: CSCA Café, a beloved local spot in Cambridge, MA, known for its exceptional coffee and baked goods.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health benefits, paid time off, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Full-time role with real opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant community and create memorable experiences for customers while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in café or restaurant management; barista experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 25200 - 30800 £ per year.
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 favourite 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 favourite neighborhood spot.
- 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 café spotless, welcoming, and up to health and safety code.
- 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 café, bakery, or restaurant management (required: managerial experience in food or hospitality).
- Previous hands-on experience with professional coffee equipment, Barista experience preferred.
- A ServSafe Food Manager certification (or equivalent).
- Comfort with MS Office.
- A degree in Culinary/Pastry Arts, Business Administration, or Business Management is preferred.
- Availability to work within café hours, including weekends and holidays.
- This job operates in a retail/restaurant environment.
This is a full-time, salaried position. Work hours are 40+ hours per week. Competitive, bonus-eligible salary. Health, dental, and vision insurance. Paid time off. Employee discounts. Real opportunities for professional growth.
General Cafe Manager employer: The Cambridge School Of Culinary Arts
CSCA is not just a culinary school; it's a vibrant community where passionate chefs inspire the next generation of culinary talent. With a focus on hands-on learning and a commitment to excellence, our Chef Instructors enjoy a supportive work culture that values creativity and personal growth. Located in Greater Boston, CSCA offers unique opportunities to engage with enthusiastic teens in a dynamic environment, making every class a rewarding experience for both instructors and students alike.
Contact Details:
The Cambridge School Of Culinary Arts Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Cafe Manager
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like The Cambridge School Of Culinary Arts. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Cambridge School Of Culinary Arts
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Cambridge School Of Culinary Arts directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace General Cafe Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about The Cambridge School Of Culinary Arts and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Cambridge School Of Culinary Arts
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
