Café Manager

Good Foods Co-op Inc•Lexington, KY

2d•$20 - $23

About The Position

Good Foods Co-op is a community-owned natural foods grocery dedicated to providing high-quality, local, and sustainable products. The cooperative supports its community, local farmers, and producers while creating a welcoming and inclusive shopping experience. The Café Manager leads daily café operations, supervises café staff and the Deli Buyer, and collaborates with other Prepared Foods managers to support department goals. The role oversees made-to-order sandwiches, coffee and espresso drinks, smoothies, customer service, purchasing, inventory, product availability, food quality, sanitation, safety, and operational and financial performance. The manager also coordinates menu offerings and production support, and works with HR and store leadership on employee performance, training, and development.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of experience in prepared foods, restaurants, food production, culinary operations, or a related food service environment.
Minimum of 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience.
Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, purchasing, inventory management, and food cost control.
Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
Proficiency with computer applications for scheduling, reporting, ordering, and other administrative responsibilities.
Commitment to teamwork, exceptional customer service, and cooperative values.
Availability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, as business needs require.

Nice To Haves

Experience with coffee, espresso beverages, smoothies, or made-to-order food service.

Responsibilities

Lead daily café operations, including made-to-order sandwiches, coffee and espresso drinks, smoothies, and customer service.
Supervise, train, schedule, and support café staff and the Deli Buyer while fostering a positive, productive work environment.
Oversee purchasing, vendor coordination, inventory management, and product availability in collaboration with the Deli Buyer and other department managers.
Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, cleanliness, and customer service.
Monitor sales, labor utilization, purchasing, food costs, and waste to support operational and financial goals.
Coordinate café menu offerings, seasonal products, and opportunities to improve sales and customer satisfaction.
Ensure food safety, sanitation, equipment maintenance, and compliance with established procedures.
Collaborate with the Kitchen Production Manager to coordinate café staff assistance with salad bar preparation, grab-and-go packaging, and other designated production needs.
Manage employee performance, training, and development in coordination with HR and store leadership.
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen teamwork, and enhance the overall café experience.