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If you’ve Googled “café manager job description,” you’ve probably seen the same dry, lifeless templates over and over. A quick bullet list of duties. A few vague lines about “managing staff” and “ensuring quality service.” And that’s it.
But here’s the problem: a generic job description doesn’t just fail to inspire candidates — it actively repels the best ones. Top talent isn’t scrolling job boards looking for another bland posting. They want to know what your café stands for, what kind of team they’ll be leading, and why this role matters beyond just “making sure the coffee’s hot.”
In this guide, we’re going to do things differently. You’ll not only see two great café manager job description templates (one for experienced managers, one for people you’re willing to train), but also learn why they work — and how to make them your own.
Before we dive in, if you want the full framework for writing any job description that attracts top talent, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ . It covers why generic posts fail, what top candidates really look for, and the simple tweaks that turn your listing into your best recruiting tool.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
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What A Cafe Manager Actually Does - Their Roles
A café manager isn’t just someone who makes sure the coffee machine works and the pastries are fresh. They’re the heartbeat of the business — the person who keeps operations smooth, customers happy, and the team motivated.
In plain English, a café manager oversees day-to-day café operations, manages staff schedules, trains new hires, monitors inventory, and ensures quality control for both products and service. They’re also problem-solvers — stepping in when an order goes wrong, a supplier is late, or a rush-hour line starts spilling out the door.
Beyond the tasks, a great café manager shapes the experience. They know regular customers by name, foster a positive work culture, and make sure the café runs like a welcoming, well-oiled machine. In short: they blend business savvy, hospitality, and leadership to create a space people want to return to — both as customers and employees.
Two Great Café Manager Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Version 1: Job Description For Experienced Café Manager
📌 Job Title: Café Manager — Brew & Bloom Coffeehouse (Downtown Seattle)
💼 Type: Full-Time | Schedule: Tues–Sat, 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: 112 Pine St, Seattle, WA (Downtown)
💰 Salary: $48,000–$55,000/year + pooled tips (based on experience)
🎥 Meet Your Hiring Manager
A quick hello from Maya Chen (GM) — what success looks like in this role and how we support managers. (Insert Loom/YouTube link)
Who We Are
Brew & Bloom Coffeehouse is a neighborhood café serving downtown Seattle since 2014. We run a 12-person team, partner with award-winning local roaster Rain City Coffee, and bake small-batch pastries in-house every morning. On weekends we average 500+ orders/day and maintain a 4.7★ community rating across platforms. Our mission: warm hospitality, consistent quality, and a place regulars feel proud to call “their spot.”
Our Culture
We believe in kind leadership, high standards, and creative problem-solving. Team huddles every morning, open feedback, and zero-ego collaboration. We celebrate wins (monthly “latte throwdown” nights) and learn fast when things miss the mark.
What You’ll Do
- Lead, coach, and schedule a 12-person barista + kitchen team
- Own daily operations (opening/closing, cash handling, POS oversight)
- Manage inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships
- Uphold product and service standards (dial-in espresso, food quality, presentation)
- Handle payroll submissions and weekly labor targets
- Resolve guest concerns with empathy and speed
- Enforce health, safety, and sanitation compliance
What We’re Looking For
- 2+ years managing a café/coffee or fast-casual hospitality team
- Proven people leadership and shift management
- Deep familiarity with café ops (dial-in, throughput, inventory)
- Calm under pressure; strong communication and organization
- A service-first mindset and pride in repeatable excellence
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive base salary + pooled tips
- 15 days PTO + 6 paid holidays
- Health, dental, vision after 90 days
- Free daily drink + 50% staff discount on food
- Commuter stipend + uniform allowance
- Annual training budget (SCA classes, industry events)
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Lead a high-volume, beloved neighborhood café with a loyal regular base
- Real influence: shape the menu, workflow, and guest experience
- Clear growth path: multi-store leadership as we expand
- A tight-knit team that values craft, kindness, and consistency
Our Hiring Process
We review every application and reply within 10 days. Shortlisted candidates: a quick phone chat → paid trial shift to see how we work together. No ghosting — everyone hears back.
How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen link]. Our skills-based evaluation helps us understand your leadership style and operational approach.
✅ Version 2:Job Description For Entry Level Café Manager (We’ll Train You!)
📌 Job Title: Café Manager — Brew & Bloom Coffeehouse (Capitol Hill)
💼 Type: Full-Time | Schedule: Wed–Sun, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 Location: 615 E Mercer St, Seattle, WA (Capitol Hill)
💰 Salary: $42,000–$48,000/year + pooled tips
🎥 Meet Your Hiring Manager
A quick intro from Diego Alvarez (Ops Lead) — how we train new managers and what your first 60 days look like. (Insert Loom/YouTube link)
Who We Are
Brew & Bloom — Capitol Hill opened in 2021 to serve a different vibe: music-forward, community events, and seasonal drink collabs with local makers. We’re a 10-person team that hosts open-mic nights, rotating art walls, and weekend pop-ups. We care about welcoming energy, clean execution, and building a place neighbors feel at home.
Our Culture
We grow people. You’ll get a structured learning plan, weekly 1:1s, and mentorship from senior managers. We value curiosity, ownership, and a can-do spirit more than perfect résumés.
What You’ll Learn & Do
- Learn to lead shifts and coach baristas with confidence and empathy
- Master opening/closing, cash handling, and daily operations
- Manage stock and supplier orders with accuracy
- Keep the café spotless, efficient, and guest-ready
- Deliver memorable service and build regular-guest relationships
Who You Are
- Hospitality/retail/customer-service background (or eager beginner)
- Organized, upbeat, and steady during rushes
- People-oriented problem solver; quick learner
- Excited to grow into leadership and own outcomes
Perks & Benefits
- Paid training + ongoing mentorship
- Competitive pay + pooled tips
- Free daily drink + 50% staff discount on food
- PTO available after 90 days
- Internal promotions — we love growing our own leaders
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Step into leadership with a team committed to teaching you the craft
- Build confidence fast with clear milestones (30/60/90-day plan)
- Bring your personality to community events and seasonal menus
- Join a values-driven brand where kindness and standards both matter
Our Hiring Process
Every application is reviewed; we respond within 10 days. Steps: quick phone chat → paid trial shift → decision with clear feedback.
How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen link]. No prior management experience required — our evaluation focuses on potential, service mindset, and team fit.
Smart Hiring Starts Here
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Breakdown of Why These Cafe Manager Job Posts Work
Both versions of the café manager job description are intentionally designed to connect with the right candidates while filtering out the wrong ones. Here’s why they work:
1. Clear, Specific Titles
- Version 1: “Café Manager — Brew & Bloom Coffeehouse (Downtown Seattle)” immediately tells applicants the role, the brand, and the location.
- Version 2: “Café Manager (No Experience Needed — We’ll Train You!)” is direct and inclusive, appealing to motivated candidates without management backgrounds.
Why it matters: Specificity draws the right people in and discourages generic “apply-to-everything” candidates.
2. Video Element for Personal Connection
- Both posts feature a short Loom/YouTube video from the hiring manager.
Why it matters: This humanizes the company, sets expectations, and makes the opportunity feel real and approachable — especially for candidates comparing multiple offers.
3. Warm, Context-Rich Introductions
- Each “Who We Are” section is rooted in specific facts — founding year, team size, location, unique café culture, community involvement.
Why it matters: This transforms a generic “about us” into a story candidates can visualize themselves in.
4. Clear Culture Statements
- The “Our Culture” sections describe actual values in action — team huddles, open-mic nights, mentorship programs — instead of vague claims like “We value teamwork.”
Why it matters: Candidates can assess fit before applying, saving you time screening mismatched applicants.
5. Distinct Role Responsibilities
- Tasks are written in impact language (“Lead, coach, and schedule a 12-person team” instead of “Manage staff”).
Why it matters: Applicants can see exactly what they’ll be accountable for and where they’ll make an impact.
6. Perks & Benefits Separate from Motivation
- Benefits list tangible rewards (PTO, insurance, free coffee, discounts) separate from “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” (growth, influence, community).
Why it matters: This separation keeps clarity high — candidates can quickly scan hard benefits and read an emotional pitch without confusion.
7. Transparent, Respectful Hiring Process
- Clear timelines (“We respond within 10 days”), clear steps (phone chat → trial shift → decision), and no ghosting promise.
Why it matters: Respectful hiring processes are rare and instantly improve employer brand perception.
8. WorkScreen Integration
- Application links go through WorkScreen’s skills-based evaluation instead of just “email your résumé.”
Why it matters: Sets the tone for a fair, modern, and merit-focused process — plus reduces low-effort, irrelevant applications.
Example of a Bad Café Manager Job Description (And Why It Fails)
📌 Job Title: Café Manager
💼 Type: Full-Time
📍 Location: Seattle, WA
Job Summary
We are looking for a café manager to oversee daily operations, manage staff, and ensure customer satisfaction.
Responsibilities
- Manage café staff.
- Handle inventory and ordering.
- Maintain cleanliness and safety standards.
Requirements
- Previous experience in management preferred.
- Good communication skills.
- Ability to work flexible hours.
How to Apply
Send your résumé and cover letter to info@cafemail.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Short
- Generic Job Title
Just “Café Manager” tells the candidate almost nothing — no brand, no location context, no unique draw. - Bland, Impersonal Introduction
The summary could apply to any café in the world. There’s no personality, culture, or mission to get excited about. - No Salary or Perks Listed
Withholding pay information signals a lack of transparency and can turn off high-quality candidates. - Responsibilities Are Vague
“Manage café staff” and “Handle inventory” give no sense of scope, team size, or expected outcomes. - Culture and Values Are Missing
There’s no insight into what working here is like or the qualities that make someone thrive in the role. - Cold, Dismissive Hiring Process
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is impersonal and discouraging — especially when candidates value feedback. - Zero Personality in the CTA
Ending with “send your résumé” feels transactional. It doesn’t inspire or invite the right kind of applicant.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Café Manager Job Post Stand Out
These are small but powerful additions that can set your café manager listing apart from 90% of the posts out there:
1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice for Applicants
Show candidates you value their safety and data. Example:
Important Notice: We take the security and privacy of all applicants seriously. We will never request payment, bank details, or sensitive personal information during any stage of our hiring process.
This builds trust right from the start.
2. Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
Even in hospitality, time off matters. Include it as a benefit if possible:
Enjoy up to 15 days of paid time off per year, plus flexible shift swaps, so you can recharge and return refreshed.
3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Ambitious candidates want to know they’ll grow here:
We invest in you. Our managers receive paid industry training and the chance to attend coffee expos and leadership workshops.
4. Include a Short Video from the Hiring Manager
We covered this in the good examples — but it’s worth repeating. A 60–90 second video builds instant connection and makes your post memorable.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
5. Add a Touch of Personality in the CTA
Instead of ending with “Apply Now,” try:
Love coffee, people, and leading a great team? Apply today — we can’t wait to meet you over a flat white.
Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?
Lately, it feels like everyone is using AI to “one-click” generate job descriptions. Even some hiring platforms now offer instant templates.
While that might sound like a shortcut, here’s the problem:
Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
If you feed AI nothing more than “Write me a café manager job description,” you’ll likely get:
- A generic, lifeless post that could be for any café anywhere.
- Responsibilities and requirements so broad they attract everybody — including the wrong candidates.
- Zero personality or culture cues to help candidates self-select in or out.
- An employer brand that feels cookie-cutter instead of authentic.
Your job post is your first impression — and in a competitive hiring market, a generic one can cost you the best applicants.
The Smarter Way to Use AI
AI works best when you give it your raw ingredients and let it help you polish, not replace, your voice.
Instead of:
“Write me a café manager job description.”
Try:
“Help me write a job post for Brew & Bloom Coffeehouse. We’re hiring a Café Manager to lead a 12-person team, manage inventory, uphold quality standards, and create an outstanding guest experience. Our culture is friendly, creative, and high-energy, and we want to attract candidates who are organized, service-minded, and excited about community events. We offer $48k–$55k/year + pooled tips, 15 PTO days, health/dental/vision, and paid coffee training. Our hiring process is respectful, with responses in 10 days and no ghosting. Here are some notes on our brand voice: [Paste your notes].”
You can even paste a good example (like the ones above) and say:
“Make me something similar in tone and structure, but for this new role and location.”
Pro Tip:
- Use AI to restructure your ideas, improve clarity, and make your writing flow better.
- Don’t use it to invent your company’s voice, culture, or details — those should come from you.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Café Manager Job Description?
We get it — sometimes you just need something fast.
Maybe you’ve already gone through this guide and understand what a strong job post looks like, but you want a solid starting point you can tailor in minutes.
That’s what these are.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Culture-First Café Manager Template
Job Title: Café Manager – Lead People, Elevate Guest Experience at [Company Name] 💼 Location: [City, State] ([On-site/Hybrid/Remote]) 🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time] 💰 Salary Range: [$X,000 – $Y,000]/year + [tips]
🎥 Meet Your Hiring Manager
A quick hello from [Hiring Manager Name, Title] on what success looks like in this role and how we support managers. (Insert Loom/YouTube link: [Video Link])
Who We Are
[Company Name] has been part of the [City] coffee community since [Founded Year]. We run a [Team Size]-person crew, partner with [Local Roaster/Producer], and [brief, specific differentiator: e.g., bake pastries in-house / host weekly community events / rotate seasonal menus]. Our mission: [Hospitality/Quality/Community statement].
Our Culture
We believe in [values: e.g., kind leadership, high standards, continuous learning]. Expect [daily huddles/clear SOPs/feedback loops], [zero-ego collaboration], and [fun traditions: e.g., latte art nights, menu tastings].
What You’ll Do
- Lead, coach, and schedule a [Team Size]-person barista/kitchen team
- Own daily operations (opening/closing, POS, cash handling)
- Manage inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships
- Uphold product and service standards ([dial-in espresso/food presentation])
- Submit payroll and hit weekly labor targets
- Resolve guest concerns with empathy and speed
- Ensure health, safety, and sanitation compliance
Who You Are
- [1–3]+ years in café/hospitality management (or strong shift-lead experience)
- Clear communicator, organized, calm under pressure
- Customer-obsessed with a coaching mindset
- Comfortable with [your systems: e.g., Square/Toast, scheduling tools, inventory software]
Perks & Benefits
- Base pay + [tips/bonus plan]
- [X] days PTO + [paid holidays]
- [Health/Dental/Vision] after [90] days
- Free daily drink + [50%] staff discount on food
- [Commuter stipend/uniform allowance]
- Annual [training/coffee expo/workshop] budget
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Lead a [high-volume/neighborhood-loved] café with [loyal regulars/strong team]
- Influence [menu/guest experience/workflow] with real ownership
- Clear growth path to [multi-store leadership/ops role] as we expand
- Join a team that values [craft, kindness, consistency]
How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [WorkScreen Application Link]. We review every application and respond within [X] days. Steps: [phone chat → paid trial shift → decision]. No ghosting.
✅ Option 2: Structured Café Manager Template
Job Title: Café Manager – Run Daily Ops & Grow a High-Performing Team at [Company Name] 💼 Location: [City, State] ([On-site/Hybrid/Remote]) 🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time] 💰 Salary Range: [$X,000 – $Y,000]/year + [tips]
Job Brief
[Company Name] is seeking a Café Manager to lead a [Team Size]-person team at our [neighborhood/flagship] location. You’ll oversee daily operations, maintain quality standards, manage inventory and scheduling, and deliver an outstanding guest experience.
Responsibilities
- Hire, train, schedule, and coach café staff
- Manage inventory and place accurate, on-time orders
- Ensure health, safety, and sanitation compliance
- Handle opening/closing, POS, and cash procedures
- Resolve guest concerns with professionalism and speed
- Track labor and COGS against weekly targets
Requirements
- [1–3] years of café/hospitality management (or strong shift-lead experience)
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
- Comfortable with [POS/scheduling/inventory] tools
- Able to thrive during rushes and lead by example
Perks & Benefits
- [$X,000 – $Y,000]/year + [tips/bonus plan]
- [Health/Dental/Vision] after [90] days
- [X] days PTO + [paid holidays]
- Free daily drink + [50%] staff discount on food
- [Training budget/mentorship/industry events]
How to Apply
Submit your application via WorkScreen: [WorkScreen Application Link]. We respond within [X] days.
Next Step: Let WorkScreen.io Find Your Best Café Manager Candidates
Writing a great job post is only half the battle. Once it’s live, you still need to sort through applications — and that’s where many cafés lose time and make costly hiring mistakes.
WorkScreen.io takes over the hard part:
✅ Quickly Identify Your Most Promising Candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
✅ Assess Real-World Skills, Not Just Resumés
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
✅ Filter Out Low-Effort or Misaligned Applicants
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
📥 Ready to Streamline Your Café Hiring?
👉 Sign Up at WorkScreen.io
Create your café manager job post inside WorkScreen.io, share your custom application link, and let our platform automatically evaluate, score, and rank every applicant
hire right, fast, and with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions - Cafe Manager Job Description
A great café manager blends leadership, operational, and customer service skills. Look for:
- Leadership & People Management: Ability to motivate, coach, and retain staff.
- Operational Skills: Scheduling, inventory control, supplier management.
- Customer Service Excellence: Handles guest concerns with empathy and professionalism.
- Financial Awareness: Monitors labor costs, manages budgets, and minimizes waste.
- Adaptability: Can stay calm and make smart decisions during busy periods.
In the United States, café manager salaries generally range from $38,000 to $55,000/year, with tips or bonuses often adding to total earnings.
Factors affecting pay include location, café size, local cost of living, and whether the role includes additional responsibilities such as event coordination or multi-location oversight.
Ask scenario-based questions about handling customer complaints, supporting staff under pressure, or balancing speed with quality.
You can also include a paid trial shift — observing how they interact with both the team and customers often reveals more than an interview.
It’s not mandatory, but it’s a huge advantage. Understanding drink preparation, coffee quality, and workflow helps a manager set realistic expectations, train staff effectively, and jump in during peak times.
Common performance indicators include:
- Daily sales revenue
- Labor cost percentage
- Waste and shrinkage levels
- Customer satisfaction or review scores
- Speed of service during peak hours
