Cafe General Manager

Goodwin Recruiting; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Parental leave

401(k) with company match

Commuter benefits

Paid vacation and holidays

Cell phone stipend

EAP program

Coffee and shift meals

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting seeks a Cafe General Manager for a daytime-focused cafe in New York City. This hands-on leadership role partners with a dedicated team to ensure smooth daily operations and outstanding guest experiences.

The ideal candidate has at least 2 years of general management experience in a full-service restaurant, a passion for hospitality, strong P&L and budgeting skills, and a commitment to coaching staff while maintaining excellent guest service.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of GM experience in a full-service restaurant.
• Strong hospitality mindset and guest-service focus.
• Demonstrated ability to drive KPIs and guest satisfaction.
• Proficient in P&L, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Coaches and develops hourly team members.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 lbs.
• DOH Accreditation and/or ServSafe Certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily cafe operations to ensure smooth, efficient service.
• Set a positive tone and inspire the team to deliver outstanding guest experiences.
• Build genuine guest connections and foster a welcoming atmosphere.
• Enforce quality standards and consistent service steps.
• Manage store profitability by meeting sales, COGS, and labor targets.
• Provide regular feedback and performance reviews to staff.
• Lead health and safety practices and ensure compliance.
• Engage with the local community to reflect company values.

Skills

General Manager experience

Hospitality focus

Guest service excellence

P&L budgeting

Team coaching

Interpersonal communication

Physical stamina

Food safety knowledge

Education

ServSafe Certification

DOH Accreditation

Job description

Cafe General Manager – New York City

We are seeking a business-savvy, hospitality-driven General Manager to lead a respected cafe in New York City. This hands-on role offers the opportunity to work closely with a dedicated team, ensuring smooth daily operations while fostering an outstanding work-life balance in a daytime-focused concept.

Cafe General Manager Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive salary range of $80,000–$85,000 (dependent on experience) with quarterly bonus potential
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage and paid parental leave
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Commuter benefits and paid vacation and holidays
• Monthly stipend for cell phone usage
• Robust Employee Assistance Program and Employee Resource Groups
• Complimentary coffee and shift meals
• Career development opportunities with a growing company

Cafe General Manager Requirements & Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of General Manager experience in a full-service restaurant
• Passion for hospitality and delivering exceptional guest service
• Proven track record of achieving key performance indicators
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing P&L, budgeting, and forecasting
• Coaching and mentoring skills to develop hourly team members
• Highly organized with excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 lbs
• DOH Accreditation and/or ServSafe Certification

Cafe General Manager Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Oversee daily cafe operations to ensure smooth and efficient service
• Set a positive tone and inspire the team to deliver excellent guest experiences
• Build genuine connections with guests, fostering a welcoming atmosphere and regular clientele
• Enforce quality assurance standards and service steps with consistency
• Manage store profitability by meeting sales, cost of goods, and labor targets
• Support team development through regular feedback and performance reviews
• Lead by example in Health & Safety practices and ensure compliance
• Engage with the local community to reflect the company’s values in the neighborhood

This role is ideal for a passionate leader who thrives in a dynamic, guest-focused environment and is eager to make a meaningful impact.