Cafe Manager

Position Summary

The Café Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation and supervision of the Milky Way Café. This is a full time role that ensures exceptional guest service, efficient food and beverage operations, regulatory compliance, staff development, and administrative support. The Café Manager serves as a hands-on leader who works alongside staff to maintain high operational standards while supporting inventory management, scheduling, ordering, reporting, and event execution.

This position is approximately 70% operational support and 30% administrative support.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Oversee daily café operations, ensuring the café is properly opened, staffed, stocked, and prepared for service.
• Assign daily responsibilities and ensure staff are meeting operational, guest service, and cleanliness standards.
• Serve as a working supervisor by assisting in any café position as needed to maintain efficient operations and guest satisfaction.
• Monitor food and beverage production levels based on anticipated attendance and business needs.
• Support smooth and profitable execution of café operations and special events.
• Coordinate event setup, operations, cleanup, reconciliation, and post-event reporting as needed.

Staff Supervision & Training

• Recruit, train, mentor, and supervise café staff to ensure consistent service and operational excellence.
• Communicate workplace expectations and provide regular coaching, performance feedback, and development opportunities.
• Develop and reinforce operating procedures through daily checklists, training, and ongoing coaching.
• Create and manage employee schedules, monitor staffing levels, coordinate break compliance, and make staffing adjustments as necessary.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
• Process employee change forms in collaboration with Human Resources and management.

Guest Service

• Deliver and promote exceptional guest service standards.
• Address guest concerns, complaints, and service issues promptly and professionally.
• Foster a welcoming atmosphere that encourages positive guest experiences and repeat visitation.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, alcohol service, safety, and employment regulations.
• Maintain a safe work environment and promptly address accidents, hazards, incidents, or policy violations.
• Monitor employee compliance with company policies and operational procedures.
• Maintain current Food Handler permit records for all café employees.

Inventory & Administrative Functions

• Assist with food and beverage ordering, inventory management, invoice verification, and product receiving.
• Verify that delivered products meet quality standards and match invoiced orders.
• Complete food, beverage, and operational inventories.
• Approve timesheets, track attendance, and maintain required operational documentation.
• Support point-of-sale systems administration, troubleshooting, training, and reporting.
• Complete post-event evaluations and operational reporting.

Facilities & Equipment

• Monitor equipment condition and facility needs.
• Submit repair and maintenance requests in a timely manner to ensure operational readiness and equipment longevity.

Event & Team Collaboration

• Assist with catering operations and special events as directed.
• Coordinate with other departments to support group sales, special events, and organizational initiatives.
• Assist the Culinary Director with special event menu planning and implementation.
• Work collaboratively with leadership, staff, volunteers, and guests to achieve organizational goals.

Required Qualifications

• 2-4 years of restaurant, café, hospitality, food service, or catering experience, including experience coordinating daily operations and leading shift teams.
• Experience training staff and supporting employee development.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, cash handling, and alcohol service requirements.
• Experience with scheduling, inventory tracking, and point-of-sale systems.
• Proficiency with POS systems and standard business software applications.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and resolve operational challenges independently.

Certificates, Licenses and/or Registrations

• Currently certified or attend and pass ServSafe Food Protection Manager Class Certification

• Maintains a current Food Handler’s card and OLCC alcohol service permit.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and perform repetitive motions.
• Ability to work in both kitchen and customer-facing environments.

Work Schedule

This position requires a flexible schedule, including Evenings, weekends, holidays and special events during peak operating hours.

Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is required.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation and benefits details will be discussed during the hiring process and are based on qualifications and experience. Medical, Dental, Vision, 40lk Match and generous PTO available.

We aim to find the best candidate for the job - we are open to candidates from all backgrounds. If being a part of a team and collaborating with others excites you, this is the right place for you. Even if you do not believe you meet the requirements, go ahead and apply - we have other positions that may fit your skills.

Wings and Waves is an equal opportunity employer that promotes diversity and inclusion and offers a learning and team-focused environment.