Cafe General Manager - Lead Service & Weekend Ops

Whistling Kettle; City of Schenectady (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Employee discounts

Free food & snacks

Health insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

The Whistling Kettle is seeking a motivated General Manager to assist owners and the kitchen manager in daily restaurant operations. You will supervise front-of-house staff—tea tenders, greeters, bussers and cashiers—while upholding food, beverage, and service standards to drive guest satisfaction.

As a manager, you will coach staff, schedule shifts, and maintain training to ensure high-quality service. This role requires weekend availability, leadership in a fast-paced environment, and a

Qualifications

• Strong organization and time management, with the ability to react quickly to unexpected changes.
• Ability to read POS screens, e-mail, spreadsheets and basic office functions.
• Ability to build positive working relationships and provide clear direction and feedback.
• Diplomatically handle difficult situations while maintaining professionalism.
• Ability to handle stress and exercise discretion in decision making.
• Accurately complete paperwork and reports.

Responsibilities

• Coach and discipline team members with progressive steps.
• Maintain clear documentation of performance levels for staff.
• Supervise daily operations to meet Whistling Kettle service standards.
• Provide orientation and training per company systems and manuals.
• Construct weekly schedules to meet business needs.
• Ensure cleaning, maintenance, and side-work duties meet standards.
• Communicate with owners and management to share information and avoid surprises.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and sanitation standards.
• Open and close the store; perform multiple roles as needed (barista, cashier, expo, greeter).

Skills

Organization & time management

POS systems literacy

Interpersonal leadership

Diplomacy under pressure

Stress management

Discretion & judgment

Documentation & reporting

Job description

The Whistling Kettle is seeking a motivated General Manager to assist owners and the kitchen manager in daily restaurant operations. You will supervise front-of-house staff—tea tenders, greeters, bussers and cashiers—while upholding food, beverage, and service standards to drive guest satisfaction.

As a manager, you will coach staff, schedule shifts, and maintain training to ensure high-quality service. This role requires weekend availability, leadership in a fast-paced environment, and a