Cafe General Manager

Job DescriptionTITLE:Café Bakery ManagerDATE:9/3/2026DEPARTMENT:OperationsFLSA STATUS:ExemptREPORTS TO:Owner/DirectorLABOR GRADE:SalaryAPPROVED BY:APPROVED DATE:Job SummaryCSCA 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 ServSafe 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