Cafe Shift Lead

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Employee discounts

Opportunities for professional development

Job summary

A culinary arts institution in Cambridge is seeking a Shift Leader for its café and bakery. This role entails assisting in managing daily operations, training staff, and ensuring customer satisfaction through exceptional service. Candidates should possess supervisory experience in food or hospitality, with strong communication and time management skills. The part-time position offers competitive pay and benefits, including employee discounts and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in café, bakery, or restaurant management preferred.
• Hands-on experience with restaurant equipment is necessary.
• ServSafe Food Manager or comparable certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Café Manager with daily operations.
• Train new staff and baristas.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of café areas.
• Monitor inventory levels and manage deliveries.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Customer-centric service attitude

Excellent communication skills

Time management skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Professional coffee machines

Job description

CSCA Café is a new and exciting café and bakery that will highlight exceptional coffee, exquisite pastries and a friendly atmosphere. We pride ourselves on providing top-notch service, the highest quality products, showcasing the work of CSCA’s professional students and creating a community space where customers can relax and enjoy their favorite beverages, baked goodies and other retail products.

Job Summary

The Shift Leader is responsible for assisting the Café Manager with overseeing the daily operations of our café/bakery, ensuring exceptional customer service, efficient operations, and high-quality product delivery. This role involves overseeing staff, scheduling, handling inventory, and maintaining a welcoming and clean environment for customers.

To be successful in this role you should have work experience with various roles in coffee shops and/or bakeries. Ultimately, you will help increase profitability, boost customer engagement and propel CSCA Café into a favorite neighborhood spot.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manageday-to-day operations of the cafe
• Train new staff and baristas
• Train employees on drink and food preparation and proper use of equipment
• Coordinate Baked Goods Program needs with bakers
• Maintain updated records of daily, weekly and monthly revenues and expenses
• Suggest new menu items based on seasonality and customers’ preferences in concert with CSCA Café Ownership (for example vegan coffee drinks)
• Advise staff on the best ways to resolve issues with clients and deliver excellent customer service
• Ensure all cafe areas are clean and tidy
• Nurture friendly relationships with customers to increase loyalty and boost our reputation
• Oversee scheduling of staff members and be able to quickly find replacements in the event of a staff member being sick or absent
• Monitor and maintain inventory levels
• Oversee deliveries and the proper receipt and storage of all ingredients and inventory
• Oversee daily operations, including opening and closing procedures, cash handling, and equipment maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, including food handling and sanitation standards.
• Create and maintain a positive, customer-focused environment, addressing customer concerns and feedback promptly.
• Monitor sales performance and work to achieve financial goals, including budgeting and cost control.
• Ensure the café bakery’s aesthetic and ambiance meet company standards.

Requirements

• Supervisory experience working in the food or hospitality industry.
• 2+ years of experience in café, bakery or restaurant management preferred
• Hands‑on experience with professional coffee machines and restaurant equipment
• Availability to work within operating hours (including weekends, evenings and holidays)
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to manage and motivate a team
• Customer‑centric service attitude
• High school diploma or GED with special consideration given to those with additional education.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize work tasks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Able to multitask and work in a fast‑paced environment
• ServSafe Food Manager or comparable certification a plus.
• Proven supervisory skills with exemplary organizational, time management, communication, and customer service skills
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
• Able to work well under pressure
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills

Physical Demands

• The ability to lift 25+ pounds and stand for long periods of time

Work Environment

• This job operates in a retail/restaurant environment.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

• This is a part‑time, hourly position.
• Work hours vary based on business needs.
• Schedule based on operating hours and business needs.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Employee discounts
• Opportunities for professional development