Cafe Manager - Columbia University

Job DetailsJob Location: Columbia Northwest Corner - NEW YORK, NY 10027Salary Range: $67,600.00 - $75,000.00 SalaryCAFE GENERAL MANAGER

The Cafe General Manager is responsible for leading the overall performance of their cafe while upholding Joe Coffee Company’s core values: Curiosity, Craft, Commitment, and Community. The GM drives operational excellence, financial performance, and team development while cultivating a welcoming and inspiring cafe environment.

This role requires a strong and spirited leader who is humble, hardworking, and passionate about problem-solving. Successful GMs are deeply committed to the work of enlightened hospitality, approaching leadership with openness, compassion, and a progressive mindset.

There is also an opportunity to interview for a Multi-Unit Management position as part of the hiring process.

The GM reports to the District Manager and oversees the cafe’s daily operations, team leadership, and business performance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Performance & Financial Management

Achieve cafe performance metrics including revenue, labor management, and operational targets
Manage cafe profitability through responsible expense management and revenue growth
Review operational and financial reports to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement
Implement strategies that improve efficiency, productivity, and guest experience
Ensure accurate cash handling and adherence to company financial procedures

Hospitality & Guest Experience

Cultivate a welcoming and vibrant cafe environment centered around coffee craft and community
Model exceptional hospitality in every guest interaction
Maintain high standards of beverage quality, service consistency, and cafe presentation
Address guest feedback and resolve concerns with professionalism and care

Team Leadership & Development

Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain a high-performing cafe team
Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional development for team members
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and inclusion
Partner with the store’s Coffee Educators to support staff training on coffee knowledge, product quality, and craft standards
Inspire team members to deliver outstanding hospitality and take pride in their work

Scheduling & Labor Management

Create and maintain staff schedules that meet the operational needs of the cafe while managing labor budgets
Ensure appropriate staffing levels during peak and non-peak hours
Monitor labor trends and adjust schedules to support business performance

Operations & Administrative Responsibilities

Maintain cleanliness and organization of the cafe and all equipment
Coordinate and schedule routine equipment maintenance and repairs
Manage relationships with vendors and service providers
Complete and submit operational summaries and reports to leadership and cross-functional teams
Actively participate in manager meetings, leadership discussions, and company initiatives

COMPENSATION

Salary: $66,300 annually
Quarterly bonus potential based on café performance and company metrics

BENEFITS & PERKS

At Joe Coffee, we care deeply about the well-being, growth, and happiness of our team. We offer a benefits package designed to support employees both at work and beyond.

Health & Wellness

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Available after six months of employment
Beyond Med Access – Support for elective procedures not tied to medical plan eligibility
Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits – Save on eligible transit and commuting expenses
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Confidential support for mental health, legal, financial, and personal needs

Financial Support

401(k) Retirement Plan – Opportunity to save for the future with employer match

Bonuses & Incentives, including

Employee referral bonuses
Team-based recognition programs

Community & Culture

The Joe Show – Our signature community-building event
Company Holiday Celebration – A festive gathering for the entire team
Latte Art Throwdowns – Friendly competitions celebrating craft and creativity

Additional Perks

Training and development workshops
All the coffee you can ever want

ABOUT JOE COFFEE COMPANY

Joe Coffee Company was founded in 2003 by Jonathan Rubinstein as a single specialty coffee shop in Manhattan’s West Village with a simple vision: brew exceptional coffee and create a welcoming space for the community.

Today, Joe Coffee operates 25 cafes across New York and its own Roastery in Long Island City, while remaining deeply committed to quality, hospitality, and education.

At Joe, we believe a great coffee experience relies just as much on the barista as it does the coffee. That’s why we invest in industry-leading training and the long-term success of our team. As an early pioneer of artisan coffee in New York, we’re proud to continue innovating, growing, and leading as the specialty coffee movement evolves.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Joe Coffee Company is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage applicants to request accommodations during the hiring process if needed
Qualifications
A genuine passion for coffee and specialty coffee culture
At least 1 year of experience managing a cafe or similar hospitality environment
Strong espresso preparation and beverage crafting skills, with the ability to speak knowledgeably about coffee and brewing methods
Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team while cultivating a positive and inclusive work environment
Ability to multitask and make sound decisions in a complex, fast-paced environment
Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills