Cafe Operations Director

Salary - $80,000 - $95,000 plus quarterly bonus

Job Overview

The District Café Operations Director leads the performance and growth of all cafés within their market. This role provides direct leadership to Café General Managers and the Market Education Manager to drive financial results, team engagement, retention, and exceptional guest experiences.

The Director executes company strategy by coaching leaders to understand and own their café performance — including sales, labor, inventory, and operational standards — while fostering strong team cultures rooted in FairWave’s values. This leader collaborates cross-functionally with Marketing, Education, Bakery & Food, HR, Accounting, Purchasing, Logistics, and Production to ensure alignment and successful execution of company initiatives. As a culture ambassador and operational champion, the District Café Operations Director ensures consistency, accountability, and sustainable growth across the market. 

Responsibilities

• Engage with Café General Managers regularly and conduct monthly 1:1 meetings to review performance, priorities, leadership development, and support needs.
• Conduct quarterly performance and development conversations with Café General Managers. 
• Support and guide Café General Managers in developing, coaching, recognizing, and holding their teams accountable, reinforcing FairWave’s expectations for feedback, growth, and performance.
• Manage daily and weekly operational and labor goals, hold Café General Managers accountable for meeting established standards, and provide individualized coaching when expectations are not met. 
• Analyze and monitor sales, labor, inventory, and controllable expenses for each café, using performance data to identify trends and develop action plans when financial or operational goals are not being met. 
• Participate in annual budget planning and provide feedback to the VP of Café, Food, and Bakery Operations and Accounting to ensure the budget supports the market’s operational needs and financial goals. 
• Maintain strong vendor relationships and promptly escalate vendor concerns to the VP of Café, Food, and Bakery Operations. 
• Ensure all cafés maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards and comply with applicable state, local, and company health and safety requirements. 
• Ensure all cafés maintain required licenses and employment postings, partnering with the appropriate departments to address compliance concerns. 
• Maintain consistent presentation and operational standards across all cafés, demonstrating ownership of both the guest and team member experience.  

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.

• 2-4 years of multi-unit Leadership
• Strong business and financial acumen
• Ability to manage competing priorities and execute consistently across multiple locations
• Proven experience managing P&L, labor, and controllable costs and translating data into action
• Ability to lead by example using a hands-on, shoulder-to-shoulder work ethic.
• Strong customer service skills
• Comfortable leading teams through change while maintaining performance and engagement.
• Restaurant, café, or hospitality operations experience required
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. 
• Ability to work a flexible work schedule and meet business demands, including weekends and holidays.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Empathy and servant leader. 
• Ability to travel when needed.