Café Manager

Position Title: Café Manager 

Location: Kirkland, WA

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 6:00AM - 4:00PM

Salary: $80,000 - $82,000 / year

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry’s leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations!  Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice Awards -  Best Places to Work,

Job Summary

The ideal Café Manager is a people-focused, service-oriented leader who can create a positive and accountable team environment while ensuring the café operates smoothly and consistently. This individual should be comfortable managing multiple priorities, following through on commitments, and using sound judgment to identify and resolve issues. Experience in food service or a union environment is preferred, but we are equally interested in candidates who demonstrate a strong willingness to learn, curiosity, and the initiative to increase efficiency and resolve issues.

As the Café Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day operation of the café, supervise and develop associates, ensure high standards of hospitality and service, and support financial and operational goals. You will play an important role in creating an engaging guest experience while maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient environment.

Key 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.

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.

Apply to Restaurant Associates today!

Restaurant Associates is a member of Compass Group USA

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:

Associates at Restaurant Associates are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Restaurant Associates maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

Req ID:  1563498

Restaurant Associates 

Allison Murphy

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