General Manager

About Us:

Keweenaw Coffee Works’ mission is to inspire a deeper connection to our food system and our community. We believe that coffee is a vibrant tapestry woven from the diverse stories of its origins and the passionate hands that nurture it. Through every cup we serve and every interaction we share, we strive to celebrate the rich complexity of coffee while fostering meaningful connections within the community we serve. 

Job Summary:

The General Manager (GM) serves as the operational cornerstone of Keweenaw Coffee Works, unifying our service culture across all departments. This role bridges front and back of house operations while maintaining our high standards of excellence and fostering our identity as Daymakers. The GM ensures that our core codes are lived daily through effective team leadership, operational excellence, and authentic community engagement. 

Key Responsibilities:

Cultural Leadership & Service Excellence

• Lead by example in embodying KCW’s core codes and daymaker philosophy
• Unite front and back of house operations under a single, cohesive service culture
• Foster an environment where team members can thrive and grow professionally
• Collaborate with Culinary Director and Roasterie Manager to ensure seamless integration of all three pillars: service, menu concept and bean quality 
• Monitor and maintain service standard across all customer touch points

Operational Management 

• Oversee daily operations of both front and back of house operations as well as ensure smooth coordination between Coffee Bar and Kitchen Supervisors
• Manage scheduling, staffing levels, and labor costs across all operational departments 
• Implement and maintain standard operating procedures that support our commitment to excellence
• Oversee inventory levels and coordinate with department supervisors on ordering needs
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety and food service regulations 
• Manage preventive maintenance programs for all equipment and facilities

Team Development

• Recruit, train and develop team members in alignment with KCW’s values and standards
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback
• Create and implement training programs that support cross-departmental understanding
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth
• Mediate and resolve conflicts while maintaining team harmony
• Oversee the progressive accountability process when necessary

Financial Management 

• Manage operational budgets and control costs across departments
• Collaborate with Bookkeeping and Leadership Team to analyze financial data and implement strategies to improve profitability
• Monitor and optimize labor costs while maintaining service excellence
• Track and analyze key performance indicators
• Develop, collaborate and implement strategies to increase revenue and efficiency

Strategic Planning & Innovation 

• Collaborate with leadership team on business development initiatives
• Identify opportunities for operational improvements and efficiency
• Implement systems to track and measure service quality metrics 
• Participate in menu planning and service delivery innovations
• Support marketing and promotional initiatives

Qualifications

• 5 years of management experience in specialty coffee, restaurant, or relevant hospitality settings
• Proven track record of unifying teams and building positive work culture
• Strong understanding of coffee industry standards and practices 
• Excellent financial acumen and business management skills
• Outstanding leadership and team development abilities
• Exemplary communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in relevant software systems (Square, Google Suite, etc.) 
• Food safety certification required (Servsafe Manager or equivalent) 
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality or related field welcomed

Physical Requirements

• Ability to be on feet for extended periods of time
• Capability to lift up to 50 pounds 
• Ability to work in dynamic environment
• Manual dexterity for equipment operation

What We Offer: 

• Competitive Salary and Comprehensive Benefits 
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Coffee and Food Benefits 
• Opportunity to shape the future of a growing brand
• Work-life balance with primarily daytime hours