General Manager, High-Volume Cafe

Job Description

Job Description

General Manager, High-Volume Cafe

Location: Wellesley, MA

We are seeking a results-driven General Manager for a beloved, high-volume community cafe in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Serving over 1,000 guests daily during peak seasons, this thriving establishment requires a systems-savvy leader to optimize operations and cultivate a welcoming environment.

This is a confidential search for a detail-oriented professional who balances operational efficiency with a genuine passion for the guest experience. The ideal candidate will take ownership of the single-unit operation, streamline current management structures, and build upon a strong foundation of community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations for a fast-paced cafe with approximately 45 staff members and seating for up to 100 guests.
• Streamline current management structures to improve efficiency and reduce excess payroll costs.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and compassionate culture that aligns with our team and community base.
• Manage scheduling, inventory, pricing, and vendor relationships to ensure seamless service.
• Drive revenue growth by expanding our event and catering footprint, with a specific focus on community events, birthdays, and private gatherings.
• Utilize sales activity reporting and financial metrics to identify trends, control costs, and provide strategic oversight that contributes to overall profitability.

Qualifications

• Extensive management experience in high-volume cafes, restaurants, or fast-paced dining environments.
• Proven ability to lead, train, and motivate a large team while maintaining high morale and exceptional customer service.
• Strong financial acumen with a demonstrated history of managing P&L, labor costs, and operational budgets.
• Excellent communication skills and a guest-first mindset.
• A track record of building authentic relationships with local community partners and driving event sales.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive total compensation package ranging from $100,000 to $120,000 annually.
• Flexible benefits package tailored to your needs.
• Performance-based bonuses tied to operational efficiency and margin improvement.
• The opportunity to lead an established, debt-free business with potential pathways for future expansion and equity.

Ready to elevate your career and lead a cornerstone of the Wellesley community? Apply today to explore this confidential opportunity and build a rewarding future with a premier hospitality brand.

Company Description

Gecko Hospitality in New England is a premier North American recruitment firm. Covering MA, NH, ME, VT, RI, and CT, the branch connects top-tier management and executive talent with leading hospitality organizations.

Led by experienced former hospitality operators, including Franchise Partners Evan Kaplan and Brian Blum, the New England team leverages their firsthand industry knowledge to carefully assess candidates for both operational competency and cultural fit.

Key Focus Areas:

Target Sectors: Restaurants (quick service to fine dining), hotels, resorts, private clubs, casinos, catering, and corporate dining.
Roles Placed: Executive and senior leadership, including General Managers, Executive Chefs, Directors of Operations, and C-suite executives.
Core Services: Executive search, talent strategy, organizational design, and leadership pipeline development.

Operating exclusively within the hospitality niche, the firm provides customized, relationship-driven recruitment solutions that accelerate business performance and advance professional careers.

Company Description

Gecko Hospitality in New England is a premier North American recruitment firm. Covering MA, NH, ME, VT, RI, and CT, the branch connects top-tier management and executive talent with leading hospitality organizations.\n\nLed by experienced former hospitality operators, including Franchise Partners Evan Kaplan and Brian Blum, the New England team leverages their firsthand industry knowledge to carefully assess candidates for both operational competency and cultural fit.\n\nKey Focus Areas:\n\nTarget Sectors: Restaurants (quick service to fine dining), hotels, resorts, private clubs, casinos, catering, and corporate dining.\nRoles Placed: Executive and senior leadership, including General Managers, Executive Chefs, Directors of Operations, and C-suite executives.\nCore Services: Executive search, talent strategy, organizational design, and leadership pipeline development.\n\nOperating exclusively within the hospitality niche, the firm provides customized, relationship-driven recruitment solutions that accelerate business performance and advance professional careers.