Café Operations Leader

Restaurant Associates; Kirkland (WA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance/AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

Restaurant Associates in Kirkland, WA is seeking a Café Manager to lead daily café operations, supervise and develop associates, and ensure hospitality standards are met while supporting financial and operational goals. The role requires strong people skills and a proactive approach to service.

You will oversee guest experience, coach team members, and manage multiple priorities with a focus on efficiency and safety. Monday–Friday schedule and competitive compensation are offered.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of relevant supervisory, management, hospitality, or food service experience preferred.
• Degree preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience managing or leading people in a fast-paced environment.
• Previous food service, restaurant, hospitality, corporate dining, education, healthcare, military, or related operational experience preferred.
• Previous experience working in a union environment is preferred.
• Strong multitasking, organization, follow-through, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, motivate, and build effective relationships with team members.
• Strong hospitality and customer service orientation.
• Willingness to learn new systems, processes, and operational responsibilities.
• Experience with OMS is preferred, or a willingness to learn.
• Operational knowledge of cash handling procedures and food service equipment preferred.
• Proficient computer skills, including Google Suite and/or Microsoft Office.
• ServSafe or Department of Health Certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily café operations, ensuring consistent execution of service, quality, hospitality, and operational standards.
• Hire, supervise, train, coach, and develop associates, fostering a positive, collaborative, and accountable team environment.
• Provide clear direction and support to associates while addressing performance, operational, and guest service concerns as needed.
• Manage multiple priorities effectively, demonstrating strong organization, follow-through, and attention to detail.
• Build strong relationships with associates, guests, and business partners through professional and responsive service.
• Plan, promote, and execute café special events, promotions, and initiatives designed to enhance the guest experience and drive engagement.
• Monitor café operations and identify opportunities to improve service, efficiency, quality, and overall business performance.
• Support financial responsibilities, including operating within budget, monitoring expenses, and identifying opportunities for cost control and business improvement.
• Ensure compliance with sanitation, food safety, cleanliness, and health department standards.
• Maintain accurate operational information and utilize systems such as OMS as appropriate; demonstrate a willingness to learn new technology and processes.
• Demonstrate curiosity and initiative by investigating discrepancies, asking questions, and taking action when something does not appear correct.
• Maintain a strong hospitality mindset and ensure guests receive a welcoming, professional, and consistent experience.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Supervisory

Hospitality

Team leadership

Customer service

Multitasking

Training

Education

Degree preferred

Tools

OMS

Google Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

Restaurant Associates in Kirkland, WA is seeking a Café Manager to lead daily café operations, supervise and develop associates, and ensure hospitality standards are met while supporting financial and operational goals. The role requires strong people skills and a proactive approach to service.

You will oversee guest experience, coach team members, and manage multiple priorities with a focus on efficiency and safety. Monday–Friday schedule and competitive compensation are offered.