Café Manager

Cotc; Franklin (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Church of the City in Franklin, TN seeks a Café Manager to lead daily café operations, fostering a welcoming guest experience while guiding staff and volunteers. The role oversees budgeting, vendor relationships, and equipment maintenance, with partnerships across ministries to reflect hospitality in every interaction.

Minimum High School diploma; a bachelor’s degree is preferred. The candidate should be a committed Christian and willing to become a Stakeholder within six months, with strong

Qualifications

• Must be a committed Christian aligned with Church of the City’s faith statement.
• High School diploma or equivalent; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience in café/food service or ministry setting encouraged.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to become a Stakeholder within six months.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily operation of the café ensuring a welcoming, clean, safe, and well-stocked environment.
• Develop and continually improve procedures for café operations, food prep, equipment care, and guest service.
• Recruit, onboard, train, schedule, coach, and support staff and volunteers with a culture of hospitality.
• Provide ongoing feedback and development to strengthen team effectiveness and guest experience.
• Manage purchasing, inventory, vendor relationships, staffing, and café budget for financial stewardship.
• Oversee equipment maintenance in partnership with Facilities and Operations.
• Collaborate with ministry leaders to support events and gatherings through café operations.

Skills

Communication

Emotional intelligence

Conflict resolution

Google Suite

Confidentiality

Organization

Attention to detail

Time management

Teamwork

Innovation

Self-motivation

Ownership

Adaptability

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Experience equivalent

Job description

The Café Manager leads the daily operations of the church café, creating a welcoming environment that reflects the heart of the church. This role oversees café operations, staff and volunteer leadership, financial stewardship, vendor relationships, and equipment maintenance while ensuring a consistent, high-quality guest experience. The Café Manager develops efficient systems, equips teams to serve with excellence, and partners across ministries to create spaces where guests feel welcomed, valued, and connected.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

(other duties may be assigned)

:

• Lead the daily operation of the café, ensuring a welcoming, clean, safe, and well-stocked environment while maintaining health, safety, sanitation, food handling, product quality, and service standards.
• Develop and continually improve operational procedures for café operations, food preparation, equipment care, and guest service to promote consistency and efficiency.
• Recruit, onboard, train, schedule, coach, and support café staff and volunteers, fostering a culture of hospitality, teamwork, and joyful service while communicating clear expectations, operational updates, and ministry priorities.
• Provide ongoing performance feedback and development to strengthen team effectiveness and deliver a consistent guest experience.

Stewardship & Operations

• Manage purchasing, inventory, vendor relationships, staffing, and the café budget to ensure operational effectiveness, financial stewardship, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee preventative maintenance and repairs for café equipment, partnering with Facilities and Operations to maintain a safe and functional environment.

Ministry & Event Support

• Partner with ministry leaders to support conferences, classes, special events, and church gatherings through café operations and hospitality.
• Enhance the café experience by developing seasonal offerings, responding to guest feedback, and equipping staff and volunteers to represent the church's mission of hospitality in every interaction.

Required Competencies and General Skills:

A successful candidate possesses competency and demonstrated experience in effective communication, emotional intelligence and conflict resolution.

Must possess general computer skills, including proficiency with Google Suite. Maintains confidentiality and demonstrates strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail. Capable of adhering to deadlines, managing multiple diverse assignments, and executing tasks effectively. Exhibits practical time management skills and works well in team settings. Demonstrates innovation by suggesting improvements within the scope of work, anticipating needs, and creating efficient, effective processes. Self-motivated, takes ownership of tasks, and shows flexibility and adaptability in dynamic situations. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and connection. Flexible, collaborative, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

Membership Requirement:

Church of the City employees are required to become a Stakeholder of the church within the first 6 months of employment and agree to the beliefs, standards and responsibilities outlined in the Stakeholder Agreement .

Qualifications:

A Christian in submission to the authority of the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit, as evident in lifestyle. Subscribes to and is in complete agreement with the Church of the City’s Statement of Faith. Represents and upholds Church of the City’s mission, vision, and culture by demonstrating a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and learning posture. The incumbent is willing to become a stakeholder of COTC within six months of hire.

The criteria listed below represent the knowledge, skill, experience, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Qualifications include but are not limited to:

Education

A High School Level education, or its equivalent required; baccalaureate degree is preferred.

Experience

A satisfactory equivalent of education, training, and experience in related fields and/or educational disciplines, sufficient to qualify for the position’s requirements.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift or carry up to 20lbs

Ability to sit for extended periods

Ability to work at a keyboard and other related equipment

Ability to move about to accomplish tasks related to role