Job Description

Job Title: General Manager – Coffee Shop

Reports to: Owner

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

The General Manager (GM) is fully accountable for the overall performance and profitability of the coffee shop, including team leadership, financial results, guest experience, and day-to-day operations. This role owns the business outcomes—driving sales, controlling labor and costs, developing the team, and ensuring consistent execution of high-quality products and service.

The GM leads by example, creates a positive and accountable culture, understands and actively manages the financial health of the business, and ensures the store operates efficiently, profitably, and in alignment with company values while building strong relationships within the local community.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Guest Experience

• Ensure consistent execution of company standards for coffee quality, food, cleanliness, and service
• Maintain a welcoming, friendly, and efficient guest experience at all times
• Address guest concerns professionally and resolve issues in the moment
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards

Team Leadership & Development

• Hire, onboard, train, coach, and develop baristas and shift leads
• Create and maintain a positive, respectful, and accountable team culture
• Conduct regular performance check-ins and corrective coaching when needed
• Schedule staff effectively to meet business needs while meeting financial and labor targets
• Hold team members accountable to attendance, performance, and service standards

Scheduling & Labor Management

• Create accurate and efficient schedules based on sales trends, forecasts, and labor targets
• Actively manage labor in real time based on volume and demand
• Consistently achieve labor percentage goals and take immediate corrective action when off target
• Own and ensure accurate, complete, and timely time reporting for all shift leads and baristas
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Inventory & Ordering

• Own ordering accuracy and inventory controls to support profitability
• Manage ordering for coffee, food, and supplies to meet sales needs while minimizing waste
• Maintain accurate inventory counts through regular counts and variance tracking, using this data to place appropriate orders that ensure product freshness, prevent out-of-stocks, and control waste, over-ordering, and product costs
• Ensure proper storage, rotation, and handling of all products

Financial Performance & Profitability

• Own the store’s profit and loss performance and understand how daily decisions impact financial results
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of labor %, cost of goods, waste, and sales trends
• Use financial data and KPIs to make informed operational decisions
• Identify and execute opportunities to improve profitability through cost control, efficiency, and sales growth
• Complete reports accurately and on time and be prepared to explain results

Community Engagement & Brand Building

• Actively build and maintain strong relationships within the local community to increase customer loyalty and brand awareness.
• Represent the brand positively in the neighborhood and at community events
• Foster a welcoming, community-driven environment where guests feel known, valued, and encouraged to return.
• Develop and support local partnerships, promotions, and initiatives that strengthen brand presence
• Encourage the team to build genuine connections with regular and new customers
• Own the execution of store-level social media, ensuring consistent, on-brand content that supports community engagement, promotions, and customer loyalty
• Plan, organize, and execute a minimum of one in-store community event per month to increase local engagement, strengthen relationships, and grow the store’s customer base.

Administrative & Business Management

• Complete assigned tasks, reports, and initiatives on time and in full
• Communicate proactively with owners about financial performance, risks, and opportunities
• Execute company promotions, programs, and operational updates
• Ensure policies and procedures are followed consistently

Qualifications

• 2+ years of restaurant or coffee shop management experience preferred
• Demonstrated understanding of P&L responsibility, labor management, and cost control
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and hold a team accountable
• Strong financial and analytical skills appropriate for store-level management
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
• Flexible availability including mornings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Proficiency with POS systems, scheduling, and inventory tools

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 30–40 lbs
• Ability to perform barista duties as needed

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• A fully staffed, well-trained, and engaged team
• Labor, food, and operating costs consistently within targets
• Demonstrated ownership of financial results and profitability
• Strong sales performance and guest satisfaction
• Tasks and initiatives completed on time without follow-up
• A clean, organized, and smoothly run store
• A strong connection to the local community and growing customer loyalty
• The store is recognized as a welcoming, community-centered place to gather