Assistant Cafe Manager

Beacon Hill Books & Cafe; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Beacon Hill Books & Cafe is seeking an Assistant Cafe Manager to support the Cafe Manager in daily operations, ensuring exceptional service, smooth execution, and a welcoming atmosphere for guests. You will be a hands-on leader on the floor, communicating clearly and upholding high standards for service and cleanliness.

The role reports to the Cafe Manager, partners with the Chef, and serves as manager on duty when the Cafe Manager is off site, including weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• Experience as shift lead or supervisor in cafe/restaurant.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills.
• Willingness to work flexible schedules including weekends.
• TIPS certification preferred or obtained on hire.

Responsibilities

• Lead front-of-house shifts as manager on duty.
• Recruit, interview, and onboard new front-of-house staff.
• Coach staff on performance, punctuality, and service standards.
• Maintain a professional, customer-focused work culture.
• Run staff meetings in the manager's absence.
• Ensure menus are current and neatly presented.
• Open/close cafe and complete daily checklists.
• Monitor guest flow, reservations, and large parties.
• Coordinate with Events team on large events.
• Maintain health, safety, and alcohol service compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Staff coaching

Scheduling

Customer service

Communication

OpenTable

Toast POS

Inventory tracking

Team collaboration

Multitasking

Tools

OpenTable

Toast POS

Job description

The Assistant Cafe Manager supports the Cafe Manager in the successful daily operation of the cafe, ensuring exceptional service, smooth execution, and a consistently welcoming atmosphere for all guests. This role calls for a hands‑on leader who works alongside the team on the floor, communicates clearly, and holds high standards for service, cleanliness, and guest care.

The Assistant Cafe Manager reports to the Cafe Manager, partners closely with the Chef, and serves as manager on duty when the Cafe Manager is off site, including weekends and holidays. This is a full‑time role that requires schedule flexibility and consistent on‑site presence during peak periods, weekends, and holidays. The Assistant Cafe Manager is expected to model the highest levels of professionalism, accountability, and customer care, and to grow into greater operational responsibility over time.

Leadership & Team Support

• Lead front‑of‑house shifts as manager on duty, setting the tone for service and teamwork.
• Assist the Cafe Manager in recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding new front‑of‑house staff.
• Provide real‑time coaching and hold staff accountable for performance, punctuality, appearance, and service standards.
• Foster a positive, professional, and solutions‑oriented work culture.
• Report performance and attendance concerns to the Cafe Manager and help document them.
• Maintain an active leadership presence on the floor during peak hours.

Scheduling & Labor Support

• Help build weekly schedules that ensure proper coverage while managing labor costs.
• Adjust staffing during shifts based on business levels, reservations, weather, and seasonal fluctuations.
• Manage call‑outs and shift coverage promptly when the Cafe Manager is unavailable.
• Review shift and tip records for accuracy before they go to the Cafe Manager and business manager.

Training & Service Standards

• Train new hires on service steps, systems, and company policies, and support ongoing training for existing staff.
• Enforce dress code, service expectations, and company policies consistently.
• Lead by example in all customer‑facing interactions.
• Run staff meetings in the Cafe Manager's absence, covering priorities, menu updates, and
• Ensure menus are current, printed, and presented cleanly at all times.

Operational Excellence

• Keep all sections of the cafe clean, organized, and visually polished throughout the day, addressing issues immediately.
• Open and close the cafe when scheduled, ensuring all procedures and checklists are completed.
• Monitor table flow, wait times, and guest experience, adjusting as needed to prevent service issues.
• Assist with managing large party reservations and special events alongside the Events team.
• Identify issues and suggest improvements to the Cafe Manager.
• Assist with transitions between seasonal menus and table settings.

Reservations, Systems & Technology

• Become proficient in OpenTable, including reservation settings, guest notes, pacing, table assignments, and large parties.
• Use Toast POS confidently and authorize voids, comps, and discounts within approved guidelines.
• Assist with tracking daily metrics such as sales, covers, turn times, and labor, and share them with the Cafe Manager.

Customer Service & Guest Relations

• Serve as the point of contact for customer inquiries, complaints, and special requests during your shifts.
• Resolve issues promptly, professionally, and in alignment with company values, escalating to the Cafe Manager when needed.
• Build rapport with repeat guests and learn their preferences.
• Assist with monitoring the cafe email inbox and responding to guest inquiries regarding availability, large party reservations, and general questions in a timely and professional manner.
• Work with the bookstore team to create a cohesive customer experience across the property.

Administrative & Compliance

• Complete shift reports, documenting incidents, staffing issues, and operational concerns.
• Ensure full compliance with health, safety, and alcohol service regulations; maintain active TIPS certification.

Inventory Support

• Assist with tracking and reordering beverages and other cafe inventory.
• Assist with cafe merchandise and retail sales, including counts, display, and replenishment of items such as tea, totes, and house‑made bread.

Qualifications

• Enjoy and understand the hospitality industry, with a willingness to consistently go above and beyond.
• At least one year of experience as a shift lead, supervisor, or senior server in a cafe or restaurant.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a team in a leadership capacity.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow‑through.
• Ability to multitask and comfort working in a fast‑paced environment.
• Physically comfortable navigating compact environments and stairs.
• Exceptional customer service skills and the ability to stay calm and professional under pressure.
• Familiarity with OpenTable and Toast (or comparable systems), or the ability to learn them quickly.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including opening and closing shifts, weekends, and peak.
• TIPS certification required (may be obtained upon hiring).