Café Operations Manager — Hospitality, Team Leadership & Growth Operations

Job Title: Cafe Operations Manager - Hospitality, Team Leadership & Growth Operations

Type: Full-time, salary (exempt) - this is a non tipped leadership position

Reports to: Ownership

Direct Reports

FOH Staff & Prepared Foods

Hours: Approx. 45/week - Sat/Sun required

Small State Provisions is an award-winning organic bakery rooted in the heart of New England. Founded in 2019 as a cottage food operation, we’ve grown into a two-location bakery known for our sourdough breads, community focus, and deep commitment to quality and hospitality.

As a people-first business, we’re building a sustainable model where employees thrive, customers feel genuinely cared for, and our values are evident in everything we do—from what we bake to how we serve. The FOH Operations Manager will play a critical role in shaping the guest experience, leading our front-of-house and prepared foods teams, and bringing structure and care to the systems that keep our café running smoothly. This is a leadership position for someone who loves people, cares about consistency, and thrives in an environment where no detail is too small to make a difference.

Position Overview

The FOH Operations Manager is a key leadership role at Small State Provisions, responsible for overseeing the front-of-house team, managing the prepared foods department, and owning café-level systems that support efficiency, hospitality, and financial success. This role ensures exceptional guest experiences while maintaining clear communication and coordination across departments.

This is a hands-on leadership role with an expected 40% floor presence and 60% focus on management and planning. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable stepping into service during a rush or a call-outs, as they are tracking sales data, coordinating product forecasting, or scheduling the week.

Key Responsibilities:Team Leadership & Culture

•   Lead FOH staff (baristas, café associates & prep foods, seasonal Farmer’s Market crew) with clarity, consistency, and professionalism

•   Manage and support the Prepared Foods department, ensuring product quality and workflow consistency

•   Train new team members and maintain up-to-date onboarding and training materials

•   Foster a positive workplace culture grounded in kindness, accountability, and collaboration

Customer Experience

•   Ensure FOH staff are providing consistent, thoughtful hospitality

•   Act as floor lead during busy shifts or when support is needed

•   Respond to customer feedback and resolve concerns with grace and timeliness

•   Maintain and uphold high standards for product presentation and café cleanliness

Ordering, Forecasting & Communication

•   Manage FOH inventory and supply ordering (coffee, dairy, retail, café goods)

•   Forecast baked goods and pastry needs in collaboration with bakery production team

•   Monitor product movement and adjust orders and pars to reduce waste and optimize revenue

•   Ensure cross-departmental communication is consistent and efficient

Operations & Scheduling

•   Oversee FOH opening and closing procedures, POS systems, and cash handling

•   Build weekly FOH schedules and manage shift coverage

•   Monitor labor efficiency and team workload across FOH and Prepared Foods

•   Coordinate maintenance and repair needs related to FOH equipment and maintain all health logs per local regulations

•   Hire for job openings when needed - including creating job posts and managing the interview process

Qualifications:

•   3+ years of leadership experience in café, bakery, or hospitality operations

•   Excellent communication and coaching skills

•   Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (including MS Excel) and Google Suite

•   Strong organizational habits and comfort with forecasting and planning tools

•   Ability to adapt between floor service and back-office responsibilities

•   Barista experience preferred but not required

•   Calm, clear leadership style that supports both structure and culture

Compensation & Benefits:

•   Salary: $75,000–$85,000/year (commensurate with experience)

•   10 Days PTO

•   Healthcare Reimbursement: 40% contribution toward open market plan

•   Staff Discount: Free coffee during shifts, 50% off food and beverage

•   Education Stipend: $500/year toward professional development

•   Growth path into multi-location FOH leadership and operational planning role

• Small State Provisions is an equal opportunity employer. We value hard work, creativity, and community. We believe in leading with kindness and supporting people so they can thrive—both at work and beyond it.