Hybrid CAFE MANAGER at Seven Stars Bakery

About Company:

Seven Stars Bakery, a Rhode Island family owned and operated business, was born out of a true passion for artisan bread and pastry baking and a strong desire to foster meaningful community. Lynn and Jim Williams, the founders, wanted to bake great stuff the old fashioned way, using the highest quality ingredients and craftsmanship, and then welcome customers like guests in their home – and we continue to do just that! They opened our first café in 2001 in a converted gas station on Hope Street on the East Side of Providence. Before long, their vision became a reality and Seven Stars Bakery was the hub of the neighborhood. In order to meet the demand for more seating in the café, they moved baking operations to a separate location in Pawtucket. In 2007, our second café was opened on Broadway on the West Side of Providence, followed by our third in 2009 on Newman Ave in the Rumford section of East Providence (in the former site of the Rumford Baking Powder factory!).

In 2018, Jim and Lynn, ready for a new life chapter, sold Seven Stars Bakery to a group of longtime customers and fans. Sarah Williams (no relation to Jim and Lynn), who had been with Seven Stars for 13 years and was running bakery operations, officially assumed the role of Head Baker. In 2019, we opened our fourth café on Reservoir Ave in Cranston and in 2021 our fifth on Point Street in the Jewelry District of Providence (in the former site of Olga’s Cup and Saucer). In 2024, we have made our way to the West Bay with the opening of our 6th café in the Main Street area of East Greenwich on Cliff Street. Most recently, we opened our * 7th Seven Stars Bakery on May 7th *. 

Each Seven Stars Bakery café location is unique but all share that feeling of warmth and community and offer the same delicious breads, pastries, sandwiches, salads and coffee. We are still obsessed with quality: the quality of every item we bake, every coffee we pour and every interaction with our customers.

We are currently an amazing, dedicated, hard working team of over 150, consisting of bakers who work through the day and night, delivery drivers who make sure the bread rack is full each morning and baristas who make the best lattes around.  All of us are passionate about what we do and truly enjoy working together.

Whether you are quickly grabbing a coffee on the go, chilling at a table enjoying a croissant and a book, or catching up with a friend over lunch – we want to be the best part of your day!

About the Role:

The Cafe Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation and profitability of the cafe. This position is responsible for overseeing daily activities, managing staff, and maintaining high standards of customer service. The Cafe Manager will develop and implement strategies to enhance the cafe's performance, including financial management and team development. Additionally, this role involves fostering a positive work environment that encourages employee motivation and retention. Ultimately, the Cafe Manager is tasked with creating a welcoming atmosphere for customers while driving the business towards its goals.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Proven experience in a managerial role within the food and beverage industry.
• Strong understanding of business and financial principles related to cafe operations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management or a related field.
• Experience with point-of-sale systems, inventory management software, and HRIS systems.
• Knowledge of local food and beverage trends.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily operations of the cafe, ensuring efficient service and high-quality food and beverage offerings.
• Recruit, train, and develop staff to create a motivated and effective team.
• Manage financial aspects of the cafe, including budgeting, forecasting, and inventory control.
• Implement marketing strategies to attract new customers and retain existing ones.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and maintain a clean and safe environment.

Skills:

Effective team building is crucial for creating a cohesive work environment, where each member feels valued and motivated to contribute. Business and financial acumen are applied daily to analyze sales data, manage budgets, and make informed decisions that drive profitability. The ability to develop and motivate employees ensures that staff are engaged and performing at their best, which directly impacts customer satisfaction. Recruitment and retention skills are essential for maintaining a stable workforce, reducing turnover, and fostering a positive culture. Lastly, effective interaction and communication skills are utilized to engage with customers, resolve issues, and promote a welcoming atmosphere.