Assistant Cafe Manager (1st shift)

Job Description

Job Description

Are you passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences while leading a team in a fast-paced food service environment?

• Do you enjoy coaching and developing employees while working alongside them?
• Are you energized by balancing operational excellence with outstanding hospitality?
• Do you thrive in an environment where no two days are exactly alike?

If so, let’s start a conversation.

At Palermo's, we're passionate about creating great food and building a great place to work. As a family-owned company, we combine innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence in everything we do.

As the Assistant Café Manager, you'll partner with the Café Manager to oversee the daily operation of Palermo's employee café, ensuring exceptional service, high-quality food, and a welcoming dining experience for our employees and guests. You'll lead by example, coach team members, and help create an environment where operational excellence and customer service go hand in hand.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hospitality or food service leader looking to grow their leadership career while making a meaningful impact every day.

• 20 free pizzas per month
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and floating holidays
• Opportunities for career growth and leadership development
• A collaborative, family-oriented culture

This position is based at Palermo's headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

You'll spend the majority of your day in our employee café, working alongside your team to ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.

This is primarily a 1st shift leadership position , supporting our café operations and day shift team. While your typical schedule will be during first shift, start and end times may vary based on business needs, staffing, training, and operational priorities. Flexibility is important, as you'll occasionally adjust your schedule to support shift transitions, special events, or ensure the café is set up for success.

As the Café Assistant Manager, you'll help lead the daily operations of the café while ensuring an outstanding experience for every guest.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting the daily operation of the café, including food preparation, service, and customer experience
• Leading and coaching café team members to deliver exceptional service and food quality
• Assisting with employee scheduling, daily work assignments, and shift coordination
• Supporting onboarding and training for new employees
• Ensuring compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health department requirements
• Monitoring inventory levels, product rotation, ordering needs, and food cost controls
• Addressing customer concerns professionally while creating positive dining experiences
• Assisting with opening, closing, cash handling, and daily operational procedures
• Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, service, and overall café operations
• Serving as the acting leader during the Café Manager's absence

You understand that exceptional customer experiences begin with exceptional leadership.

You enjoy developing people, solving problems, and creating an environment where employees enjoy coming to work and customers enjoy coming back. You balance hospitality with operational discipline and understand that success comes from consistency, teamwork, and attention to detail.

You thrive when you can:

• Lead by example while working alongside your team
• Coach employees and help them grow
• Deliver exceptional customer service
• Solve problems quickly and effectively
• Improve operational efficiency
• Create a positive, engaging work environment

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Two or more years of experience in restaurant, café, hospitality, or food service operations
• Previous experience leading or directing employees in a fast-paced customer service environment
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and customer service best practices
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work a flexible schedule as business needs require

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Business, or a related field
• ServSafe Manager Certification (or ability to obtain)
• Experience with inventory management and food cost controls
• Experience with employee scheduling and labor management

A successful Café Assistant Manager:

• Creates an exceptional dining experience through outstanding customer service and hospitality.
• Builds an engaged team by coaching, developing, and supporting employees.
• Maintains high standards for food quality, food safety, cleanliness, and operational execution.
• Balances customer satisfaction with efficient and cost-effective operations.
• Partners effectively with the Café Manager to continuously improve café performance and team engagement.