Job Title: Café / Coffee Shop Manager

Salary: $55K - $65K

Location: Naperville, IL

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and customer-focused Café Manager to oversee the daily operations of our coffee shop. The ideal candidate is passionate about coffee, pastries, desserts, snacks, hospitality, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. You will lead a team of baristas, ensure operational excellence, maintain high food and beverage quality standards, and drive sales while creating a welcoming environment for customers.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Oversee all daily café operations, ensuring efficient and smooth service.
• Open and close the café according to company procedures.
• Monitor food and beverage quality, presentation, and consistency.
• Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and safety standards throughout the café.
• Ensure compliance with health, food safety, and licensing regulations.

Team Leadership

• Recruit, train, coach, and develop baristas and café staff.
• Schedule employees to ensure appropriate staffing levels.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback.
• Foster a positive, energetic, and customer-focused team culture.
• Lead by example in customer service and operational excellence.

Customer Experience

• Deliver exceptional customer service and resolve customer concerns promptly.
• Build customer loyalty through friendly, personalized service.
• Ensure every guest receives a consistent, high-quality café experience.

Inventory & Financial Management

• Monitor inventory levels and place orders for coffee, food, and supplies.
• Minimize waste and control food and beverage costs.
• Manage cash handling, daily deposits, and point-of-sale (POS) reconciliation.
• Analyze sales reports and implement strategies to increase revenue and profitability.
• Monitor labor costs and productivity.

Sales & Business Development

• Drive sales through promotions, seasonal offerings, and upselling techniques.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), including sales, labor, and customer satisfaction.
• Support local marketing initiatives and community engagement activities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Business, or related field preferred).
• 2–5 years of management experience in a café, coffee shop, restaurant, or hospitality environment.
• Experience leading teams in a fast-paced customer service setting.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience with POS systems, inventory management, and cash handling.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Skills

• Passion for specialty coffee and café culture.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and perform under pressure.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Experience training and developing employees.
• Sales-oriented mindset with a focus on achieving business goals.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Lift and carry up to 40 lbs (18 kg).
• Perform repetitive tasks such as preparing beverages and stocking supplies.
• Work in a fast-paced environment with frequent customer interaction.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Customer satisfaction scores
• Sales growth
• Labor cost management
• Inventory accuracy and waste reduction
• Employee retention and engagement
• Health and safety compliance
• Speed of service
• Store cleanliness and presentation

Benefits (Optional)

• Competitive salary
• Paid time off
• Employee discounts
• Health and wellness benefits
• Training and career development opportunities
• Retirement savings plan
• Opportunities for advancement

If interested please send your resume to jay@geckohospitality.com for immediate review and consideration