General Manager

Build Something Special

Our Paradise Valley location is scheduled to open in Fall 2026, and we're looking for a General Manager to join the team before opening to help bring the vision to life. This is an opportunity to shape the culture, build a high-performing team, and establish the operational foundation for a successful launch in one of Arizona's most discerning markets.

Unlike many pre‑opening opportunities, this role offers the chance to build a new location while benefiting from the support of an established and growing company. You'll partner closely with ownership and have access to proven systems, operating standards, training programs, and brand resources that have already been developed and refined.

Before opening, you'll complete a structured onboarding process that includes remote learning, operational training, and hands‑on preparation. The goal is to ensure you have a deep understanding of the brand, confidence in company standards, and the tools needed to effectively train and lead your team from day one.

As General Manager, you will be responsible for the overall success of the Paradise Valley location, including financial performance, team development, customer experience, operational excellence, and brand representation. This is a hands‑on leadership role that requires both strategic thinking and day‑to‑day operational execution.

Success in this position requires a strong background in specialty coffee, hospitality, and team leadership, along with a willingness to step into any role within the café when needed. Whether supporting the team during a busy rush, training new hires, managing inventory, resolving guest concerns, or overseeing administrative responsibilities, you'll set the standard through your actions and leadership.

Working directly with ownership, you'll play a key role in creating an exceptional guest experience, developing a strong team culture, and establishing Paradise Valley as a flagship location for the brand.

Responsibilities

Pre‑Opening Responsibilities

• Partner directly with ownership during the pre‑opening phase to prepare the location for a successful launch
• Recruit, interview, hire, and onboard the opening team
• Develop staffing plans and assist with workforce planning for launch and ongoing operations
• Lead training and certification of all team members before opening
• Help establish operational systems, workflows, service standards, and team expectations
• Assist with equipment commissioning, café setup, merchandising, and operational readiness
• Participate in inventory planning, opening orders, and vendor coordination
• Build relationships within the Paradise Valley and Scottsdale communities prior to opening
• Support local marketing initiatives, grand opening planning, and launch events
• Ensure all opening milestones are completed on schedule and to company standards

Business & Financial Management

• Full P&L ownership for the Paradise Valley location, including revenue, labor, inventory, and operating expenses
• Monitor and drive key business metrics, profitability, and operational efficiency
• Develop action plans to achieve sales goals and maintain labor and cost targets
• Track KPIs and regularly report location performance to ownership

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, schedule, and lead the location team
• Create a culture of accountability, hospitality, professionalism, and continuous improvement
• Conduct performance reviews, coaching conversations, and employee development planning
• Build bench strength and develop future leaders within the organization
• Ensure proper staffing levels and floor coverage at all times

Specialty Coffee & Hospitality Leadership

• Serve as the in‑house expert on coffee quality, beverage preparation, workflow, and service standards
• Train and coach team members on espresso preparation, milk texturing, brewing methods, product knowledge, and guest engagement
• Maintain high standards for beverage quality, consistency, cleanliness, and presentation
• Lead by example in delivering exceptional hospitality and customer experiences
• Resolve customer concerns professionally and proactively

Operations Management

• Oversee all daily operations, including opening and closing procedures, cash management, inventory control, receiving, and facility maintenance
• Manage inventory ordering, receiving, waste reduction, and product availability
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, health and safety requirements, and applicable employment laws
• Maintain operational systems, processes, and standards that support growth and consistency

Brand & Community Engagement

• Represent the brand within the Paradise Valley and Scottsdale communities
• Develop local partnerships and community relationships that drive awareness & traffic
• Execute local marketing initiatives and support brand‑building efforts
• Maintain exceptional visual merchandising, product displays, and overall store presentation

Working Manager Expectations

• Be capable of performing all roles that report to this position at a high level of proficiency
• Step into operational roles as needed to support the team, cover staffing gaps, manage peak‑volume periods, and maintain service standards
• Lead from the floor, not just from the office, while balancing strategic and operational responsibilities

• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in specialty coffee, hospitality, food service, retail, or a related customer‑focused environment
• 2+ years of direct management experience leading and developing teams
• Specialty coffee experience required, including espresso preparation, coffee quality standards, workflow management, and barista training
• Demonstrated success managing a standalone business unit, café, restaurant, retail location, or similar operation
• Proven ability to recruit, develop, and retain high‑performing teams
• Strong P&L management skills and comfort making data‑driven business decisions
• Deep understanding of hospitality and elevated customer service standards
• Ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and operate with a high degree of ownership and accountability
• Excellent communication, coaching, organizational, and problem‑solving skills
• Proficiency with POS systems, scheduling software, inventory management tools, and basic business reporting
• Experience in luxury, premium, or high‑service environments is strongly preferred
• Experience in the Scottsdale/Paradise Valley market is a plus, but not required

• Health, dental, and vision insurance – eligible the first of the month following 60 days of employment
• Paid time off and sick time
• 401(k) – coming soon
• Performance‑based bonus opportunity
• Employee product discounts
• Opportunity to help build and shape a growing brand from the ground up

How to Apply:

Ready to join the Too Sweet Cakes team? We can’t wait to meet you! Please submit your application along with a brief cover letter explaining why you’d be a great fit for our team.