Cafe Manager in Training

Los Angeles, CA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Exact $70,304.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Benefits

Base salary: $70,304 annually

Medical

Dental

Vision

paid time off accruals

401(k) eligibility after 12 months of employment

Annual cafe performance bonuses and raises

Free shift drinks and employee discounts

growth and advancement opportunities

Open Path Collective - Therapy Membership Reimbursement

Employee Referral Bonuses

Creative and collaborative team culture

Job Description

Alfred is a renowned coffee company that first opened its doors in 2013 on Melrose Place, Los Angeles, with a passionate mission to become the neighborhood coffee shop for the Los Angeles community. Over the years, Alfred has grown steadily by embracing a culture of consistent innovation, everyday excellence, and creative partnerships. This approach has helped Alfred evolve beyond a simple coffee shop into a brand that delivers a full, immersive coffee experience that invites guests to stay and enjoy. Today, Alfred proudly operates more than 20 locations both in Los Angeles and beyond, continuing to set industry standards and inspire coffee culture worldwide.

As a dynamic and influential company in the specialty coffee world, Alfred values its commitment to quality, community engagement, and exceptional hospitality. The organization continually pushes the envelope with innovative product offerings, high-quality ingredients, and a welcoming environment that encourages customer loyalty and community connection.

The Cafe Manager in Training (CMIT) position at Alfred is an exciting opportunity for emerging leaders who aspire to take on a full Cafe Manager role within the company. This pivotal job offers hands-on leadership experience, operational responsibility, and the opportunity to drive the overall excellence of the cafe. CMITs work closely with senior leadership, including the Director of Retail, to learn and develop the critical skills needed to motivate teams, manage daily operations, and ensure outstanding customer experiences.

In this role, individuals will develop operational expertise, manage team performance, embrace Alfred’s hospitality culture, and contribute to the success and reputation of the cafe. The role demands a leader who thrives in fast-paced, team-oriented environments, with strong communication skills, impeccable organization, and a passion for building connected and effective teams. The CMIT will learn to oversee scheduling, cash handling, inventory management, and compliance with food safety and health regulations. They will also actively promote Alfred’s standards for product quality, training all team members on beverage preparation, customer service, and safety.

Alfred offers a competitive salary for this position starting at $70,304 annually, reinforcing their commitment to attracting talented and motivated professionals. The role is exempt and reports directly to the Director of Retail. Located at a to-be-determined location, this position allows the right candidate to develop their career within a company recognized both locally and internationally for coffee culture excellence.

By joining Alfred as a Cafe Manager in Training, individuals embark on a leadership journey that blends hands-on management experience with the company’s mission of community enrichment and coffee craftsmanship. This role provides an exceptional platform for growth, with opportunities for advancement, bonuses, and participation in creative and collaborative team efforts. For those passionate about hospitality and thriving in a fast-paced café environment, Alfred offers a unique and rewarding career path that nurtures both professional development and personal fulfillment.

Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred
3+ years of retail, hospitality, or cafe management experience preferred
Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills
Ability to multitask, problem-solve, and lead effectively in a fast-paced environment
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Passion for hospitality, team culture, and customer experience
Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and special events as needed
Proficiency with written communication, email etiquette, and operational communication platforms
Ability to remain responsive through Slack, email, phone, and text communication
Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license
Able to lift up to 20 pounds without assistance
Move quickly and efficiently from one area of the café to another
Ability to hear and communicate effectively in English
Good vision, including the ability to see details at close range
Flexibility to bend and squat as necessary to perform cleaning and stocking tasks
Ability to stand for extended periods and work in a fast-paced environment
Capable of operating a cash register or tablet device to enter customer orders accurately and efficiently
Ability to speak clearly and project voice to effectively communicate with customers and team members

Job Qualifications

3+ years of retail, hospitality, or cafe management experience preferred
Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills
Ability to multitask, problem-solve, and lead effectively in a fast-paced environment
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Passion for hospitality, team culture, and customer experience
Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and special events as needed
Proficiency with written communication, email etiquette, and operational communication platforms
Ability to remain responsive through Slack, email, phone, and text communication
Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license

Job Duties

Lead, coach, and develop team members through ongoing feedback, training, and performance management
Foster a positive, accountable, and team-oriented work environment that reflects Alfred's values and culture
Support recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and ongoing employee development in partnership with executive leadership
Ensure all team members are properly trained in operational procedures, hospitality standards, and product knowledge
Establish clear performance expectations and coach employees toward growth and improvement
Address employee performance concerns professionally and document developmental plans when necessary
Lead by example and set the standard for professionalism, urgency, communication, and hospitality
Uphold and model exceptional hospitality standards, ensuring every guest receives a welcoming and consistent experience
Resolve customer concerns proactively and professionally while maintaining a calm, solutions-oriented approach
Ensure team members maintain strong knowledge of Alfred products, services, and menu offerings
Create a cafe environment that is warm, inclusive, efficient, and reflective of the Alfred brand
Oversee daily cafe operations to ensure efficiency, cleanliness, organization, and consistency across all shifts
Manage scheduling and labor planning to support business needs while maintaining labor targets
Oversee cash handling, deposits, POS operations, opening/closing procedures, and store administrative functions
Maintain inventory levels, product organization, and ordering processes while minimizing waste and controlling costs
Ensure compliance with all company policies, operational procedures, food safety standards, and health regulations
Maintain high standards for store appearance, merchandising, equipment maintenance, and overall operational readiness
Utilize operational tools and communication platforms, including Slack, email, and reporting systems, to maintain alignment and accountability
Support sales growth and profitability by managing labor, inventory, supplies, and operational expenses
Execute promotions, seasonal launches, and business initiatives effectively within the cafe
Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, customer experience, and store profitability
Ensure all beverages, food items, and retail offerings consistently meet Alfred quality and presentation standards
Maintain deep knowledge of coffee, tea, and food offerings, including origins, blends, preparation methods, and flavor profiles
Train and educate team members on product standards and hospitality expectations
Conduct regular quality checks of beverages and food products throughout shifts
Promote safe work practices and maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe environment
Identify and resolve operational inconsistencies, maintenance issues, and safety concerns proactively
Document employee or customer incidents and support investigations when necessary
Ensure all team members adhere to company policies and procedures outlined in Alfred handbooks and operational manuals