Cafe General Manager

Goodwin Recruiting; Paramus (NJ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare coverage

401(k) plan with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Cell phone stipend

Employee Assistance Program

Shift meals

Complimentary coffee

Career development opportunities

Quarterly bonus potential

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting is seeking a Café General Manager in Paramus, NJ, to lead daily operations for a daytime-focused cafe. You’ll work closely with a dedicated team to deliver outstanding guest experiences while maintaining strong financial performance.

Ideal candidates bring at least 2 years of GM experience, a hospitality mindset, and certifications (ServSafe/DOH). Join a supportive environment with growth and work-life balance in a vibrant community.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of General Manager experience in a full-service restaurant.
• Strong guest service mindset and hospitality focus.
• Proven track record of achieving KPIs.
• Coaching and mentoring skills for hourly team members.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily cafe operations for smooth and efficient service.
• Set a positive tone and inspire the team to deliver excellent guest experiences.
• Build connections with guests to foster a welcoming atmosphere and regular clientele.
• Enforce quality assurance standards and service steps consistently.
• Manage profitability by hitting sales, COGS, and labor targets.
• Lead team development through feedback and performance reviews.
• Model health and safety practices and ensure compliance.
• Engage with the local community to reflect company values.

Skills

Guest service

Leadership

Communication

Financial acumen

Education

ServSafe Certification

DOH Accreditation

Job description

Cafe General Manager

We are seeking a business-savvy, hospitality-driven General Manager to lead a respected cafe in Paramus, NJ. 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 $70,000–$75,000 (dependent on experience) with quarterly bonus potential
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage and paid parental leave
• 401(k) plan with company match
• 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.