Cafe Manager

Title:

Cafe Manager Reports to:

Director of Operations About Us:

Starter Bakery is a premier wholesale bakery based in Berkeley, crafting fresh pastries and breads for the Bay Area's top farmers' markets, cafés, and restaurants. For over a decade, we've built our reputation on exceptional quality, artisanal crafts, and outstanding customer service. Our products have been featured in The New York Times, Food & Wine Magazine, The Huffington Post, Oakland Magazine, Diablo Magazine, and East Bay Express, which awarded us Best Breakfast Pastry in the East Bay.

Position Summary:

Starter Bakery is seeking a full-time Café Manager to lead the daily operations of our café. As the on-site leader, you'll set the tone for exceptional guest experiences, inspire and develop a high-performing team, and ensure smooth, efficient café operations. You'll oversee both front- and back-of-house functions, working closely with the Director of Operations to maintain high standards in service, quality, cleanliness, and compliance. This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment and is passionate about food, hospitality, and team building. If you're organized, driven, and committed to creating a warm and welcoming space for both staff and guests, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and develop both FOH and BOH staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, and coaching. Ensure a warm, welcoming café environment with excellent service and product quality. Oversee all daily operations, including inventory, cleanliness, merchandising, and compliance. Act as the primary on-site leader and liaison to the Director of Operations (who is based off-site). Maintain POS and online ordering platforms, manage cash handling and vendor relations. Collaborate with the culinary and marketing teams to introduce new items and seasonal promotions. Ensure health, safety, and labor compliance at all times.

What We're Looking For:

2+ years experience as a café manager or assistant manager in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. 2+ years of leadership experience leading a team of 10+ people Strong leadership skills and the ability to build a positive, high-performing team culture. A love for coffee, food, and hospitality—plus knowledge of brewing techniques and food handling. Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to make informed decisions independently. Comfortable working Wednesday-Sunday and holidays as needed. Proficient with POS systems (Toast preferred) and tools like Google Workspace and Excel. Ability to work Wednesday to Sunday, and holidays as needed. Must have a valid ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification for the role or will obtain it within the first 60 days of hire, as required by state law. Must have a valid California RBS (Responsible Beverage Service) certification or be willing to obtain one within 30 days of hire, as required by state law.

Compensation and Benefits:

Starter Bakery is proud to offer a robust benefits package to support the health, well-being, and work-life balance of our team members. As a Cafe Manager, you'll receive: Medical, dental, and vision insurance are available starting on the first of the month following 60 days of employment. Paid Time Off (PTO) and

Sick Time:

PTO to support rest, relaxation, personal needs, and designated sick time for health-related absences.

Retirement Savings:

Access to a 401(k) plan to help you save and plan for the future.

Monthly Phone Stipend or Company Phone:

Reimbursement for work-related mobile phone use. Meal allotment per shift and staff discount on products. Opportunities for growth and advancement. Additional Information Starter Bakery participates in E-Verify. All new hires must complete an I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form and present documentation confirming identity and eligibility to work in the United States.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Experience:

Restaurant management: 2 years (Preferred) Ability to

Commute:

Berkeley, CA 94710 (Required)

Work Location:

In person