Job Description

SUMMARY: The Cafe Assistant Manager is the point person at the coffee shop, responsible for leading and directing day-to-day retail operations in partnership with the Cafe Manager. This role ensures every customer interaction is a quality experience, upholds coffee standards, motivates the team, and resolves challenges within a fast-paced environment. The Assistant Manager models the values of Commonwealth Joe Coffee Roasters and supports all operational functions to keep the café running smoothly.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Store Management
  • Leads and directs Associates, Runners, and Baristas to maintain cadence and quality
  • Represents the face of Commonwealth Joe both on and off shift
  • Responsible for team effectiveness, customer service, and speed of service
  • Anticipates customer needs and guides the team to meet them
  • Ensures cleanliness and presentation standards are upheld across the café
  • Manages and assists with private or public events at the store
  • Verifies completion of opening and closing duties; takes ownership if tasks are not completed
  • Ensures operational checklists and procedures are followed
  • Solves daily operational challenges with flexibility and poise
  • Capable of stepping into any role in the café (Associate, Runner, or Barista)
  • Assists with maintenance coordination as needed
  • Oversees daily shift operations when the Café Manager is absent
• Financials & Reporting
  • Works with the Cafe Manager to set and meet daily and weekly goals
• Hiring & Training
  • Assists in training new team members on standard operating procedures
  • Supports educators and external training events as needed
  • Participates in interviews and hiring processes when requested
• Inventory & Supplies
  • Places vendor orders and manages deliveries
  • Conducts monthly inventory counts and reconciles against usage
  • Submits invoices and order receipts to Accounts Payable
  • Reports high waste or vendor concerns to the Café Manager
  • Recommends product adjustments based on customer trends and feedback
  • Organizes and maintains inventory in both front and back of house
  • Assists in training new team members on standard operating procedures
• Marketing & Promotion
  • Leads in-store promotions for seasonal or high-priority items
• Teamwork
  • Works collaboratively with the team on shift to uphold café standards
  • Covers shifts when needed and leads by example
  • Assigns roles, tasks, and breaks during shifts
  • Solves open-ended problems with a positive, can-do attitude
  • Communicates transparently with staff and supports change management

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or GED required
• 1–2 years of experience in retail or foodservice environments required
• Leadership experience in a café or customer-facing setting strongly preferred
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Passion for hospitality, coffee, and team development

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Detail-oriented with a high standard for quality and presentation
• Capable of balancing short-term tasks with long-term goals
• Strong interpersonal and time management skills
• Comfortable using basic computer tools such as Microsoft Office or POS/inventory software
• Must have open availability

BENEFITS

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Paid time off
• Voluntary benefits - short-term disability, accident insurance, and life insurance
• 401K after the first 90 days of employment
• Free coffee!

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