Assistant Manager – Madison Cafe Wonderstate

Ourlivesmadison; Madison, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telehealth

Dental & Vision

Retirement Plan

Wellness Reimbursements

Free Coffee

Shift Meals

Wonderstate Discount

Job summary

Wonderstate Coffee in Madison, WI is seeking an Assistant Café Manager to help lead daily café operations and deliver exceptional customer experiences. This role collaborates with the Café Manager to coach the team, manage inventory, and uphold high standards across beverage quality and service.

The ideal candidate has café or hospitality leadership experience, a passion for specialty coffee, and a commitment to Wonderstate’s mission and values. Weekend availability is expected.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Hire, onboard, train, and coach team members; provide day‑to‑day leadership and feedback.
• Lead by example to foster an engaged, collaborative team culture.
• Deliver hospitality and maintain high standards for beverage quality, food preparation, cleanliness, and service.

Skills

Servant leadership

Customer service

Communication

Task prioritization

Time management

Coaching & mentoring

Coffee passion

Mission alignment

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Cafe/retail leadership experience

Barista experience

Food safety certification (preferred)

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 cafes 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.