Cafe Manager

About the job

North Lawndale Employment Network is a comprehensive workforce development agency on Chicago’s West Side dedicated to advancing the economic outcomes of the community’s residents through innovative employment initiatives, including our social enterprises. In August 2021, North Lawndale Employment Network transitioned to a new campus which features a premier community café for residents and stakeholders.

North Lawndale Employment Network seeks a Café Manager will oversee the daily operations of the beelove cafe, ensuring operational excellence, financial growth, and an exceptional customer experience. This leadership role focuses on developing and managing teams, driving performance, and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance both service and profitability. The manager will also work closely with the HR and Programs departments to recruit and train new staff, while ensuring all cafés maintain compliance with health and safety regulations. Additionally, the role involves managing vendor relationships, overseeing marketing efforts, and supporting community engagement activities to strengthen brand presence. This individual will also collaborate with café managers to enhance catering services and build customer loyalty programs.

Responsibilities include:

• Leads the interview and candidate selection process for café staff, with consultation from HR & Director of Social Enterprise – Business Operations.
• Works with Programs department to build pipeline of North Lawndale talent through education, outreach, and barista apprentice program.
• Ensures new staff members receive onboarding and training within first 90 days of employment.
• Create the staffing schedule, taking staffing needs and labor cost parameters into account.
• Conducts 30-60-90 day and annual performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
• Prepares and gives timely reports on café performance to various stakeholders at meetings such as bi-weekly social enterprise meeting and monthly staff meetings.
• Handles discipline of employees along with Human Resources and as needed and in accordance with company policy.
• Plans and organizes daily activities related to cafe operations and guest experience, including administration of the café customer loyalty program.
• Manages vendor relationships, including providing feedback to existing vendors and sourcing new vendors.
• Oversees product quality by creating a menu of food and beverage options that balances consistency with seasonal or special items.
• Measures operational performance and guest satisfaction by analyzing sales & inventory data, financial data, and guest feedback.
• Coordinates with other support departments such as Human Resources, Finance, to ensure successful café and catering operations.
• Oversees the café team’s delivery of high-quality catering service.
• Inventory Management
• Assists with budget preparation for operations unit.
• Maintains strong controls of cash management in accordance with guidelines from Finance Department.
• Ensures staff compliance with food safety requirements and works with Director of Social Enterprise to ensure compliance with local business regulations.
• Coordinates with marketing department to determine pricing, timing, and number of sales promotions. Provides content and visual inputs to the marketing team for social media and other promotions.
• Provides inputs and recommendations for regular pricing reviews.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Current Food Managers Certification required.
• Excellent managerial and supervisory skills.
• 12 months of experience in a managerial role; preferably in the food & beverage industry.
• Extensive knowledge of foodservice operations
• Ability to interpret financial data as needed to set sales goals.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be able to stand, walk and move 6-8 hours per day while on shift.
• Must be able to bend and reach for stored items, lifting to 50lbs.
• Must be able to climb ladders for store maintenance tasks.
• Must be able to access and navigate the production facility.

Benefits:

Comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, vision, and dental plans
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays (many Federal Holidays)
• 401K participation, day one of employment
• Life Insurance

North Lawndale Employment Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The salary for this position is $50,000/ Annually.