We are seeking a highly organized customer service professional to oversee daily operations of a brand-new upscale general store integrated with a community café. The person in this position will be accountable to ensure that both the market and front-of-house café spaces operate smoothly, efficiently, and profitably. The ideal candidate will have retail and food industry management experience and a passion for building and collaborating with a team of food service professionals to create a welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere.
Key Responsibilities:
Operations Management:
- Manage and oversee all aspects of the retail market, including inventory control, product displays, and merchandising.
- Maintain and develop relationships with food suppliers and merchandise wholesalers to bring best quality and most desirable products into market for retail sale.
- Ensure that the retail environment is clean, organized, and visually appealing.
- Track sales, monitor inventory levels, and work with vendors to ensure product availability and quality.
- Provide exceptional customer service in the cafe and retail market by assisting customers with inquiries, offering product recommendations, resolving issues, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and sanitation in the cafe.
- Coordinate promotions, special events, and seasonal product offerings to drive sales and engagement.
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and store policies.
- Collaborate with chef and cooks to ensure quality and consistency of food and beverage offerings.
- Monitor grocery and retail merchandise inventory and place orders as necessary to ensure adequate supply.
Team Leadership & Development:
- Manage staff of several part time and full-time baristas and retail staff by scheduling, training, and conducting performance evaluations.
- Provide training to promote excellence in product knowledge, customer service, food safety, and operational procedures.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team environment.
- Conduct regular team meetings and provide feedback to staff on performance.
- Develop and implement employee schedules to meet operational needs.
Financial Management:
- Monitor daily, weekly, and monthly sales reports, analyzing trends and identifying areas for improvement.
- Help manage the retail market and café budget, ensuring profitability while maintaining high-quality offerings.
- Ensure accurate cash handling, banking, and POS transactions.
- Track and reduce waste, ensuring proper portioning and cost control.
- Customer Engagement & Community Relations:
- Cultivate strong customer relationships and act as the primary point of contact for customer concerns or feedback.
- Develop marketing and promotional strategies to attract and retain customers.
- Represent the business in community events, local partnerships, and networking opportunities to enhance brand presence.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality management, or related field (preferred) or equivalent work experience.
- 3+ years of experience in retail management, food service, or café management, with at least 1 year in a supervisory role.
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to manage teams and develop employees.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
- Strong understanding of inventory management, budgeting, and financial reports.
- Proficiency in point-of-sale (POS) systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, customer-facing environment.
- A passion for food, retail, and customer service.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Must be able to work in an environment with varying temperatures.
Compensation:
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Employee discounts on retail market and café products.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the position to [email protected].