Company description

Ula Cafe is a vibrant, community-rooted cafe located in the historic Brewery complex of Jamaica Plain, just around the corner from the Sam Adams brewery. We've proudly served our neighborhood for over 18 years and are currently a Black-owned, woman-owned, and veteran-owned business. Known for our warm, inclusive atmosphere and thoughtfully made food and drinks, we're also home to a beloved pay-it-forward wall that helps foster kindness and connection among our guests. We feature local art on our walls, host regular community events, and function as a beloved third space at the intersection of coffee and community. Join our team and be part of something meaningful.

Job description

Do you thrive in the kitchen, but also love supporting a front-of-house team that creates warm, memorable experiences for guests? Are you excited to work in a place where great food, community, and culture come together?

Ula Cafe is hiring a BOH-focused Assistant Manager to join our leadership team! As a Black-owned, woman-owned, and veteran-owned cafe in the heart of Jamaica Plain, Ula is rooted in community, inclusivity, and sustainability. We're looking for someone who not only shares these values, but also brings culinary and operational expertise to help lead our team forward.

In this hybrid leadership role, you’ll work closely with both BOH and FOH teams — with a special emphasis on BOH operations, recipe development, and catering coordination. You’ll report directly to Ula’s owner, Beth Santos, and play a key role in upholding food quality, kitchen efficiency, and team development, while also stepping into FOH leadership as needed. Spanish proficiency is essential for supporting our bilingual kitchen team and fostering strong internal communication.

If you’re a natural leader who thrives in a fast-paced kitchen, loves great food, and wants to be part of a dynamic community cafe, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

• BOH Leadership & Culinary Operations
  • Oversee BOH workflow, prep schedules, and kitchen systems in collaboration with the kitchen team.
    Maintain high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation.
  • Lead recipe testing and support new menu item rollouts in partnership with the kitchen and ownership.
  • Act as a point person for catering orders — from kitchen prep to execution — ensuring timely and high-quality delivery.
  • Maintain clear, bilingual communication with kitchen staff to ensure a cohesive team environment.
• Team Leadership & Training

  • Support hiring, onboarding, and continuous training of both BOH and FOH team members.

  • Coach staff in Ula Cafe's customer service, hospitality, and kitchen values.

  • Provide shift leadership and problem-solving support during peak hours or manager absence.

  • Foster an inclusive, respectful work environment where team members feel valued and supported.

• Operations & Inventory

  • Oversee BOH and FOH stock levels, communicate ordering needs, and ensure waste reduction systems are followed.

  • Assist with scheduling, payroll audits, and employee communication.

  • Support espresso bar upkeep and FOH stock management when needed.

• Customer Experience & Community Engagement

  • Occasionally support FOH team during busy service hours and when GM is not on site.

  • Interact with guests and support a welcoming environment.

  • Help plan and execute special events and seasonal promotions, including prep coordination and event support.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of kitchen or quick service experience (strong BOH background preferred)
• 2+ years of supervisory or management experience in food service
• Recipe development or catering experience strongly preferred
• Proficient in Spanish (required)
• State of MA approved food safety certification and Allergen Awareness Training
• Barista experience and FOH leadership skills a plus
• Comfortable using Toast POS and Google Workspace (especially Sheets)
• Creative thinker with a passion for food and people
• High School diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree or equivalent preferred

Details

• Full-time (40 hrs/week)
• Willingness to work weekends is required
• 8- or 10-hour shifts
• Salary: $55K–$58K annually
• Paid vacation, medical/dental/vision, 401(k), paid training
• Free meals while working
• Significant growth potential

Ula Cafe is committed to building a team that reflects the diverse community we serve. We strongly encourage people of marginalized identities — including but not limited to people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, and people with disabilities — to apply.

Compensation

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

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline