Cafe Operations Manager

Compass Group • CULVER CITY, CA

6d • $87,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The Café Manager leads daily operations of a high-volume corporate dining program with approximately $8 million in annual managed volume. The position provides operational oversight for the primary café and supports broader dining complex operations, with responsibility for exceptional guest experiences, operational excellence, food safety compliance, and financial stewardship.

This hands-on leadership role oversees approximately 8–10 associates and partners closely with culinary, hospitality, and micro-kitchen teams to deliver a seamless customer experience. Responsibilities include staffing, scheduling, team development, operational execution, and maintaining high standards throughout the dining program. The schedule is primarily Monday through Friday, with flexibility required based on business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and food service management experience.
• At least 3 years of progressive leadership experience in corporate dining, hospitality, restaurant, hotel, healthcare, higher education, or a related food service environment.
• Proven success managing teams in a high-volume food service operation.
• Experience with labor scheduling, workforce planning, payroll administration, and employee performance management.
• Strong understanding of food safety, HACCP programs, sanitation standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to manage operational and financial performance, including labor controls, budgeting, and cost management.
• Experience coordinating with multiple operational stakeholders in a complex dining environment.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and operational reporting systems.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, typically Monday through Friday, with hours aligned to business needs.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with digital food safety platforms, scheduling systems, and waste-management tools.
• ServSafe Certification and/or Department of Health Certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day café operations and ensure an exceptional hospitality-driven guest experience and consistent service standards.
• Provide operational oversight for the dining complex and collaborate with culinary, hospitality, and micro-kitchen leadership teams to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Hire, train, coach, develop, and motivate associates while fostering accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Create and manage hourly employee schedules to meet business demands and labor targets.
• Coordinate temporary staffing needs and maintain relationships with staffing partners.
• Supervise and direct associates throughout each shift, ensuring productivity expectations are met and assigning meaningful tasks during non-peak periods.
• Review and approve employee timecards, payroll records, and paid time-off requests in accordance with company policies.
• Lead daily operational and menu meetings to align teams on service expectations, menu offerings, and business priorities.
• Partner with culinary leadership on promotions, themed events, and special programs that enhance guest engagement and drive participation.
• Monitor operational performance, labor metrics, and financial results, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, guest satisfaction, and overall performance.
• Maintain digital HACCP records and ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
• Review daily food waste reporting through Leanpath and work with culinary teams on waste reduction and sustainability initiatives.
• Oversee cash handling, point-of-sale operations, inventory controls, and routine operational reporting.
• Build relationships with clients, guests, and internal stakeholders, and respond proactively to feedback and business needs.
• Ensure company, safety, and regulatory standards are maintained.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance and AD&D
• Disability insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Holiday time off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave
• Potential paid and/or unpaid time-off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager