Company description

North Lawndale Employment Network is a comprehensive workforce development agency on Chicago’s West Side dedicated to advancing the economic outcomes of the community’s residents through innovative employment initiatives, including our social enterprises. In August 2021, North Lawndale Employment Network transitioned to a new campus which features a premier community café for residents and stakeholders.

Job description

North Lawndale Employment Network seeks a Cafe Manager will oversee the daily operations of the beelove cafe, ensuring operational excellence, financial growth, and an exceptional customer experience. This leadership role focuses on developing and managing teams, driving performance, and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance both service and profitability. The manager will also work closely with the HR and Programs departments to recruit and train new staff, while ensuring all caf s maintain compliance with health and safety regulations. Additionally, the role involves managing vendor relationships, overseeing marketing efforts, and supporting community engagement activities to strengthen brand presence. This individual will also collaborate with cafe managers to enhance catering services and build customer loyalty programs.

Responsibilities include:

Leadership & Staff Development

• Leads the interview and candidate selection process for caf staff in consultation with HR & Director of Social Enterprise Business Operations.
• Works with the Programs department to build a pipeline of North Lawndale talent through education, outreach, and the barista apprentice program.
• Ensures new staff members receive onboarding and training within their first 90 days of employment.
• Conducts 30-60-90 day and annual performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
• Handles employee discipline in collaboration with Human Resources and in accordance with company policy.

Operations & Customer Experience

• Plans and organizes daily caf operations, ensuring a high-quality guest experience.
• Administers and optimizes the caf customer loyalty program.
• Oversees staff scheduling, balancing staffing needs with labor cost parameters.
• Ensures staff compliance with food safety requirements and works with the Director of Social Enterprise to meet local business regulations.
• Coordinates with Human Resources, Finance, and other departments to ensure smooth caf and catering operations.
• Oversees the caf team s delivery of high-quality catering services.

Financial & Inventory Management

• Assists with budget preparation for caf operations.
• Maintains strong cash management controls following Finance Department guidelines.
• Manages inventory and vendor relationships, providing feedback to existing vendors and sourcing new ones.

Product & Performance Management

• Oversees product quality by curating a menu that balances consistency with seasonal or special items.
• Measures operational performance and guest satisfaction through analysis of sales, inventory data, financial reports, and customer feedback.
• Prepares and presents performance reports to stakeholders at bi-weekly social enterprise meetings and monthly staff meetings.

Marketing & Sales Strategy

• Works with the marketing department to determine pricing, timing, and sales promotions.
• Provides content and visual inputs to the marketing team for social media and promotional campaigns.
• Offers insights and recommendations for regular pricing reviews.

Additional Responsibilities

Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Current Food Managers Certification required.
• Excellent managerial and supervisory skills.
• 12+ months of experience in a managerial role; preferably in the food & beverage industry.
• Extensive knowledge of foodservice operations
• Ability to interpret financial data as needed to set sales goals.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be able to stand, walk and move 6-8 hours per day while on shift.
• Must be able to bend and reach for stored items, lifting to 50lbs.
• Must be able to climb ladders for store maintenance tasks.
• Must be able to access and navigate the production facility.

Benefits:

• Medical, vision, and dental plans
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays (many Federal Holidays)
• 401K participation, day one of employment
• Life Insurance

North Lawndale Employment Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The salary for this position is $60,000-$75,000/ Annually.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $50,000 - $75,000

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline