Cafe Manager for Third Culture Bakery (Berkeley)

CAFE MANAGER

Third Culture Bakery | Berkeley Origin Store

About Third Culture Bakery

Third Culture Bakery is a globally inspired food company founded by co-founders Sam Butarbutar and Wenter Shyu, reflecting their experiences growing up as “third culture kids.” Our pastries, beverages, and matcha program celebrate Southeast Asian flavors while embracing modern craft and hospitality. Since launching in 2017 as a two-person operation, Third Culture Bakery has grown into a team of 20+ across retail locations and a production kitchen. Our mission is to create exceptional food while building meaningful careers in hospitality. We are seeking a Cafe Manager to lead our Berkeley Origin Store — the heart of our company and to carry on where our story began.

Role Overview

The Cafe Manager is responsible for the daily leadership and operational success of the Berkeley Origin Store. This role ensures the cafe operates smoothly, delivers exceptional hospitality, and maintains the high standards that define the Third Culture experience. Working closely with the COO, the Cafe Manager leads the retail team, manages store systems and inventory, and ensures every guest interaction reflects the warmth and care that define our brand. This role requires a leader who can balance people management, operational organization, and customer experience while creating a positive and energized team culture.

Core Areas of Responsibility

1. Store Operations & Retail Excellence

The Cafe Manager ensures the store operates efficiently and consistently at the highest standards.

Responsibilities include:

• Overseeing daily cafe operations; opening and closing procedures standards are met
• Ensuring all operational systems and store standards are followed
• Managing weekly and monthly inventory and coordinating orders with the production kitchen and management as needed
• Maintaining appropriate levels of beverages, matcha, milk, packaging, and retail supplies to ensure nounnecessary interruptions in business
• Monitoring pastry quality and store presentation throughout the day
• Taking full ownership and Troubleshooting operational issues such as POS systems, internet outages, or equipment concerns
• Ensuring the store environment remains clean, organized, and welcoming. The Cafe Manager ensures the store runs smoothly, efficiently, and beautifully every day.

2. Inventory & Product Coordination

The Cafe Manager ensures the cafe has the products needed to meet guest demand while minimizing waste.

Responsibilities include:

• Forecasting pastry needs based on sales trends and foot traffic
• Communicating closely with the production team to ensure proper pastry supply
• Maintaining inventory levels for beverages, milk, packaging, and retail products
• Monitoring food waste and maintaining waste levels below operational targets
• Planning ahead for holidays, events, and seasonal sales increases. Strong inventory management ensures product availability while protecting operational efficiency.

3. Guest Experience & Hospitality

The Cafe Manager ensures every customer experiences the warmth and hospitality that define Third Culture Bakery.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading the team in delivering exceptional and welcoming service
• Ensuring staff can confidently communicate menu items, pastries, and the Third Culture story
• Monitoring service flow during busy periods to maintain smooth operations
• Addressing guest feedback with professionalism and care
• Creating an environment where guests feel welcomed, valued, and remembered. Every guest interaction should feel like stepping into our Third Culture home.

4. Team Leadership & Staff Development

The Cafe Manager builds and develops a strong retail team that reflects the company’s values.

Responsibilities include:

• Hiring, interviewing, and onboarding new retail team members
• Creating and managing weekly staff schedules
• Ensuring adequate staffing coverage for all shifts
• Training team members in customer service, product knowledge, and operational procedures
• Conducting performance reviews and providing coaching and feedback
• Addressing employee concerns and maintaining HR standards

This role shapes the culture of the store by building a positive, collaborative, and supportive team environment.

5. Administrative & Operational Coordination

The Cafe Manager ensures that administrative tasks supporting the store are handled accurately and efficiently.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing phone orders and ensuring professional customer communication
• Updating POS systems, menus, and store signage as needed
• Rolling out new programs, seasonal offerings, or training materials
• Maintaining organized documentation and store resources
• Supporting company initiatives and special projects

The Cafe Manager ensures the store operates with clarity, organization, and strong communication.

6. Safety, Compliance & Emergency Leadership

The Cafe Manager maintains a safe environment for both employees and guests.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring food safety and sanitation standards are followed at all times
• Maintaining awareness of store emergency protocols
• Leading the team during unexpected situations such as power outages or equipment failures
• Communicating quickly and clearly with leadership when issues arise

The Cafe Manager provides calm and confident leadership during moments that require quick decisions.

What Success Looks Like

A successful Cafe Manager will:

• Maintain a highly organized and efficient cafe operation
• Ensure the store consistently delivers exceptional hospitality
• Build and develop a motivated and supportive retail team
• Maintain strong communication with the Operations Manager and production kitchen
• Ensure inventory, scheduling, and systems run smoothly

Success means the Berkeley store operates with clarity, consistency, and a vibrant team culture.

Qualifications

Ideal candidates will have:

• 2–4+ years of leadership experience in fast-paced hospitality, food retail, or cafe management
• Extremely strong organizational and communication skills
• Obsession with hospitality and prioritize guest experiences
• Experience managing teams in a fast-paced service environment
• Ability to problem-solve quickly and remain calm under pressure
• High attention to detail and operational discipline
• A positive leadership style that inspires and motivates teams

A background in hospitality, food service, or retail management is strongly preferred.

Schedule:

Full-time hourly role requiring weekend availability.

This position is primarily based at the Berkeley Origin Store and may require occasional schedule flexibility and/or travels based on business needs.

Compensation & Benefits

Hourly pay: $25–$28 per hour depending on experience

Additional compensation:

• Company tip pool participation (average additional $3–$6 per hour)
• Annual merit-based wage increases based on performance reviews and tenure bonuses at 5, 10 years

Benefits include:

• Medical and dental benefits through Kaiser (50% covered)
• 401k savings plan through CalSavers
• Yoga and wellness benefits
• Education assistance programs
• Free parking on site
• Complimentary beverages and pastries during shifts
• Generous 50% employee discount on food and retail merchandise

The Third Culture Ethos

At Third Culture Bakery, we lead with three guiding principles:

We Lead with Heart

We make our intentions clear and act with sincerity.

We Lead with Kindness

We show care and respect in every interaction.

We Lead with Integrity

We take pride in making thoughtful and principled decisions.

These principles guide how we serve our guests, support our teammates, and build our community.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $29.00 - $33.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Management: 1 year (Required)
• scheduling : 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Food Handler Certification (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person