Cafe Assistant General Manager

brcr; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Health benefits

Free coffee and café discounts

Ongoing training and professional development

Job summary

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters in La Jolla, CA is looking for an Assistant General Manager to lead cafe operations and inspire a dedicated team. This role involves managing daily operations, coaching staff, and maintaining quality service that reflects our values.

Ideal candidates have supervisory experience in a retail environment and a genuine passion for customer service. We offer competitive compensation, health benefits, and ongoing training to support your career development.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of supervisor or team lead experience.
• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays.
• Experience with inventory management is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the GM in coaching and developing the team.
• Manage inventory and cost control effectively.
• Ensure exceptional customer service and product quality.

Skills

Multi-tasking abilities

Problem-solving skills

Cash handling experience

Customer service passion

Job description

Assistant General Manager – Bird Rock Coffee Roasters

Location: La Jolla, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time (32-40 hours/week)
Reports To: General Manager & Regional Operations Manager

About Bird Rock Coffee RoastersSince 2006, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters has been serving San Diego the best possible coffee while supporting farms socially, economically, and environmentally. We’re more than a coffee company – we’re a community of people committed to quality, genuine customer service, integrity, and continuous improvement.

The Opportunity

We’re looking for an Assistant General Manager who is ready to step into cafe leadership and help drive our business forward. This isn’t just about managing shifts – it’s about developing people, maintaining excellence, and building something meaningful alongside a team that genuinely cares about what they do. You’ll work directly with our General Manager to run daily operations, coach and develop your team, and ensure every guest experiences the quality and customer service Bird Rock is known for. This role is perfect for someone who wants hands‑on experience in all aspects of cafe management.

What You’ll Do

• Lead People & Operations: Support the GM in coaching, developing, and inspiring your team; manage shift operations including opening/closing procedures and service standards; handle inventory management, ordering, and cost control; step into problem‑solving mode when challenges arise.
• Drive Excellence: Maintain our product quality standards – every single time; ensure guests receive genuine customer service that reflects our values; monitor and improve key metrics: service times, ticket averages, labor costs; uphold cafe maintenance and aesthetic standards; exposure to P&L management and understand how your decisions impact the business.
• Grow & Develop: Participate in ongoing training and leadership development; build your skills in business operations, team management, and specialty coffee; embrace fierce conversations and authentic communication; take ownership of your growth and your team’s success.

What We’re Looking For

Required

• 1‑2 years of supervisor or team lead experience
• Strong multi‑tasking abilities and problem‑solving skills
• Cash handling and POS system experience
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and flexible hours
• Genuine passion for customer service

Preferred

• 3+ years in retail or customer service environments
• 2‑3 years in cafe, restaurant, or food service
• 1‑2 years in specialty coffee (we’ll teach you if you’re eager to learn!)
• Experience with inventory management

You’ll Thrive Here If You

• Care deeply about coffee quality and attention to detail
• Communicate directly, kindly, and authentically
• Want to understand the business, not just run shifts
• Lead with curiosity and a growth mindset
• Value building real relationships with your team and guests
• Take pride in creating excellent experiences

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Health benefits (for eligible positions)
• Free coffee and cafe discounts
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Clear leadership development path

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.