Cafe Manager

16 On Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food service industry seeks a dynamic Cafe Manager for its Chicago location. In this role, you will lead daily operations, ensure a high-quality customer experience, and manage a team dedicated to excellence in coffee service and hospitality. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in café management and a passion for specialty coffee.

Qualifications

• Strong barista and supervisory background required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing all front-of-house operations.
• Recruiting, training, and managing front-of-house staff.
• Monitoring customer feedback and addressing issues.

Skills

Leadership

Customer Service

Food Safety

Team Management

Education

1–2 years managing a café or coffee-focused food service environment

Tools

POS systems

Google Workspace

Job description

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This range is provided by 16 On Center . Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$60,000.00/yr - $65,000.00/yr

About Us:

16 On Center Chicago owns and operates several live music venues, third-party production, restaurants, bars, and food halls across Chicago and New York. Join the team of one of the country's leading independent promoters.

Our most effective service to our community comes from a team with a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. 16 On Center actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Position Summary

As the Café Manager at Good Ambler, you will lead daily front-of-house operations, working closely with our team of baristas and kitchen staff to deliver high-quality coffee, pastries, and service in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment. You’ll be responsible for team leadership, café financial performance, and collaborating with both internal partners and our Mondelez partners to ensure smooth operations and an exceptional customer experience. This is a hands-on role with a focus on quality, hospitality, and operational excellence.

Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Overseeing all front-of-house operations and maintaining a clean, well-run café
• Leading the team during service, modeling exceptional hospitality and efficiency
• Recruiting, training, and managing front-of-house staff and schedules
• Managing POS accuracy, inventory, supply orders, signage, and merchandising
• Collaborating with Mondelez and internal teams to support breakfast and lunch execution
• Monitoring customer feedback and addressing issues promptly and professionally
• Managing daily financial procedures, including invoices, receipts, and end-of-month inventory
• Participating in menu planning and seasonal beverage development
• Supporting catering, special events, and off-site service needs
• Maintaining safety, cleanliness, and food safety standards
• Communicating effectively across teams and contributing to manager meetings
• Providing ongoing coaching, performance management, and a positive team culture
• Jumping in behind the counter or on the floor as needed to support service
  
  

About You:

• Minimum 1–2 years of experience managing a café or coffee-focused food service environment; strong barista and supervisory background required
• Demonstrated expertise in specialty coffee, espresso calibration, and beverage quality
• Strong leadership and team management experience, with a collaborative mindset
• Customer-focused with a friendly, approachable demeanor
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Organized, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities under pressure
• Strong understanding of food safety, service standards, and café operations
• Familiarity with POS systems, scheduling/payroll software, and Google Workspace; Canva knowledge a plus
• Flexible schedule, including availability on weekends and holidays
• Able to work approximately 50 hours per week
• Able to stand and walk for up to 10 hours per day
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs and manage deliveries
• Comfortable working in both indoor and outdoor environments with varying temperatures
• Able to tolerate noise levels and potential allergens such as nuts, gluten, and dairy
  
  

More detail about Good Ambler part of 16 On Center, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/299547-Good-Ambler

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management

• Industries

  Restaurants

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