Assistant Manager - Madison Cafe

Wonderstate Coffee; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telehealth, Dental & Vision (working 0

Job summary

Wonderstate Coffee is seeking an Assistant Café Manager in Madison to support day-to-day café operations and lead a collaborative team. You will partner with the Café Manager to deliver an exceptional customer experience while maintaining quality and efficiency across shifts.

This role requires barista experience, strong leadership, and a passion for specialty coffee. Weekend and holiday availability, plus a focus on coaching and staff development, are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Barista experience is required.
• Previous leadership experience in cafe/restaurant preferred.
• Food safety certification or ability to obtain one preferred.
• Willingness to work weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Support daily café operations to deliver exceptional customer experiences.
• Assist with opening/closing, cash handling, and procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming cafe environment.
• Lead with the Café Manager to hire, onboard, train, and coach staff.
• Ensure beverage quality, food prep, cleanliness, and service standards.
• Handle payroll review and scheduling support.

Skills

Servant leadership

Customer service

Communication

Time management

Organization

Initiative

Coaching

Coffee knowledge

Team motivation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Barista experience required

Leadership experience preferred

Food safety certification preferred

Driving record satisfactory

Job description

About Wonderstate Coffee

For us, coffee is a source of wonder. Since 2005, Wonderstate has roasted earnest and extraordinary coffees that honor relationships and champion our collective future. As the 2010 Roast Magazine Roaster of the Year and five‑time Good‑Food award winner, our mission continues to expand with three cafés and strong customer relationships in grocery stores, coffee shops, and offices around the Upper‑Midwest and all over the country. Yet like the Driftless region we call home, we know you don’t have to be big to make an impact. From our industry‑leading minimum price guarantee to farmers, to our 100% solar‑powered roastery, 5% Giving program, and embracing a healthy work‑life balance for all staff, we’re working to do our part.

We're seeking collaborative, curious, and kind people to join us and to build our collective future, together.

Position Overview

The Assistant Café Manager supports the daily operations of the café by helping create an exceptional experience for both customers and team members. This role partners with the Café Manager to lead day‑to‑day operations, develop team members, maintain operational excellence, and foster a positive café culture that reflects Wonderstate Coffee's mission and values. The Assistant Café Manager serves as a working leader, balancing customer service, team support, and operational responsibilities while helping the café achieve its business goals.

Benefits

• Telehealth, Dental & Vision (working over 20 hours/week)
• Supplemental Insurance (working over 20 hours/week)
• Retirement Plan
• Wellness & Commuter Reimbursements
• Free coffee to each employee
• Shift meals & drinks
• Wonderstate discount on food, beverages & merchandise

Core Responsibilities

Café Operations

• Support the daily operation of the café, ensuring exceptional customer experiences and efficient workflows.
• Assist with opening, closing, cash management, and daily operational procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and welcoming café environment.
• Support inventory management, ordering, and product merchandising.
• Assist with equipment maintenance and facility needs.

Team Leadership & Development

• Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, and coaching team members.
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership, direction, and performance feedback.
• Help foster an engaged, collaborative, and positive team culture.
• Support scheduling and daily staffing needs in partnership with the Café Manager.
• Lead by example while creating an environment where team members can grow and succeed.

Customer Experience & Quality

• Deliver exceptional hospitality and build meaningful customer relationships.
• Maintain high standards for beverage quality, food preparation, cleanliness, and service.
• Address customer concerns professionally and proactively.
• Support continuous improvement of the café experience.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Assist with payroll review, timecard approvals, scheduling support, and operational reporting.
• Help manage café communications and daily administrative responsibilities.
• Partner with the Café Manager to implement company initiatives and operational improvements.
• Support special events, community engagement, and café promotions.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Provides day‑to‑day leadership, coaching, and direction for café team members. Supports performance management, onboarding, scheduling, and employee development in partnership with the Café Manager.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong servant leadership with a passion for developing people.
• Excellent customer service and relationship‑building skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and sound judgment.
• Ability to coach, motivate, and support team members.
• Passion for specialty coffee, food service, and creating exceptional customer experiences.
• Demonstrates Wonderstate's mission, values, and commitment to honoring relationships.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous café, restaurant, hospitality, or retail leadership experience preferred.
• Previous barista experience required.
• Experience coaching or leading team members preferred.
• Food safety certification (or ability to obtain) preferred.
• Satisfactory driving record, if applicable.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent bending, reaching, carrying, and repetitive hand movements.
• Ability to operate espresso equipment and other café equipment safely.

Work Environment

• Fast‑paced café environment.
• Weekend and holiday availability required.
• Schedule varies based on business needs.
• Occasional participation in special events or catering.

Other duties

Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Wonderstate is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.