Cafe Assistant Manager: Full-time

PURPOSE: The Café Assistant Manager is responsible for assisting in the management of the daily operations of SoPo Coffee This includes but is not limited to: providing input on the selection, development and performance management of employees; oversee the inventory and ordering of food and supplies; and ensure that guests are satisfied with their experience.

Position Summary

The Café Assistant Manager supports the daily operations of the café by assisting with employee supervision, scheduling, inventory management, administrative duties, customer service, and event coordination. This role helps ensure efficient café operations, excellent guest experiences, proper food safety standards, and clear communication across departments. The Assistant Manager works closely with café leadership to maintain operational excellence, support staff development, and uphold company standards.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Operations & Guest Experience

• Maintain company standards for service, hospitality, cleanliness, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure positive guest experiences and professionally resolve guest concerns or complaints.
• Monitor café operations to ensure quality, consistency, and adherence to food safety procedures.
• Assist in turning dissatisfied guests into returning customers through proactive service recovery.
• Support daily café functions and step into barista or service positions as needed.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and fully stocked café environment.
  
  

Team Leadership & Employee Support

• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training new employees.
• Provide daily direction and operational support to café staff.
• Help coach employees on performance, service standards, and workplace expectations.
• Assist with employee scheduling to ensure proper staffing levels for all shifts and events.
• Review and approve employee timecards through Paylocity.
• Communicate effectively with staff regarding scheduling updates, events, and operational changes.
• Partner with leadership to support employee accountability and workplace culture.
  
  

Administrative & Financial Responsibilities

• Assist Café Manager with administrative and financial duties including:
• Expense reporting
• Payroll support
• Invoice management
• Inventory documentation
• Monthly reporting
• Create and process invoices for house accounts and café catering orders.
• Maintain accurate records and upload required operational documents for leadership review.
• Respond promptly and professionally to emails and internal communications.
• Coordinate with accounting regarding invoices, reimbursements, and vendor documentation.
• Ensure invoices are completed and submitted by required deadlines.
  
  

Scheduling & Event Coordination

• Build and maintain employee schedules using operational calendars and event schedules.
• Coordinate staffing adjustments for special events, catering, and extended operating hours.
• Review eSpace event requests and coordinate café catering support as needed.
• Maintain event notes and scheduling details within operational systems and calendars.
• Communicate staffing needs and scheduling expectations clearly with employees.
  
  

Inventory & Ordering

• Assist with inventory counts for café products, paper goods, tea inventory, and food items.
• Monitor inventory levels and place orders for supplies and products as needed.
• Coordinate with vendors and distributors regarding product ordering and deliveries.
• Support end-of-month inventory processes and internal transfers.
• Occasionally assist with emergency product runs when immediate inventory replenishment is needed.
  
  

Compliance & Safety

• Enforce sanitation and food handling standards in accordance with health regulations.
• Ensure kitchen, café, and storage areas remain clean, organized, and compliant.
• Complete incident and accident reports promptly when necessary.
• Follow all company policies, safety procedures, and operational guidelines.
  
  

Skills & Knowledge Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous café, coffee shop, restaurant, or hospitality leadership experience preferred.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience with scheduling, inventory management, and administrative tasks preferred.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Working knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and scheduling/payroll systems.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure under pressure.
  
  

Proficient In

• Inventory Management
• Purchasing & Ordering
• Scheduling & Labor Management
• Customer Service Resolution
• Employee Training & Development
• Administrative Operations
• Event Coordination
• Cash Handling & Financial Reporting
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift to 50+ pounds.
• Ability to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced café environment.
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates in a café and kitchen environment with frequent interaction with guests, employees, vendors, and leadership teams. The role may require flexibility in scheduling based on operational and event needs.