Cafe Manager

This is a full time position. The target base compensation for an external hire for this position can range from $18.00/hr to $20.00/hr.

Position Overview

At Hiker Coffee, we're passionate about creating an experience that goes beyond the cup. Rooted in clean, craft coffee and health-forward ingredients, our café serves as a gathering place for people who value wellness, quality, and community. Inspired by our founders' journey, we bring together locally roasted coffee and a toxin-aware menu to create a destination that promotes intentional living and meaningful connection.

As the Cafe Manager, you will oversee daily operations, lead and develop the team, uphold Hiker's standards, and ensure every guest receives an exceptional experience. You will set the tone for the cafe, balancing hands-on barista work, leadership, training, and operational oversight, while fostering a culture that reflects Hiker's values.

Key Responsibilities Coffee Excellence

• Maintain the highest standards for beverage quality, ensuring consistency across all espresso and brewed coffee offerings.
• Lead bar operations, including espresso dialing, brewing, recipe adherence, and workflow optimization.
• Uphold cleanliness, maintenance schedules, and safe operation of all coffee equipment.
• Educate team members on Hiker's clean coffee approach, roasting philosophy, and better-for-you food offerings.

Operational Management

• Build and manage weekly staff schedules to ensure consistent coverage and labor efficiency.
• Oversee daily cash handling, register operations, deposits, and financial accuracy.
• Ensure full compliance with Health Department regulations and food safety protocols.
• Maintain inventory and ordering processes for coffee, food, and café supplies.
• Implement and support promotional programs, product launches, and operational initiatives.
• Implement and create SOPs around operations in the cafe
• Maintain clear systems for opening, closing, prep lists, and daily café procedures.
• Help with recipe testing and coming up with ideas that are menu and aligned with brand values

Team Leadership

• Train, coach, and develop baristas in coffee craft, food preparation, and hospitality standards.
• Lead shift transitions, daily huddles, and communication to ensure clarity and consistency.
• Conduct performance conversations, recognition, and job dialogs to support team development.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and growth-oriented culture where team members feel supported and valued.
• Ensure all shifts operate smoothly, resolving issues promptly and professionally.

Customer Experience

• Ensure every guest receives warm, consistent, and thoughtful service that reflects Hiker's hospitality standards.
• Respond to guest concerns with professionalism and urgency, maintaining a solution-focused mindset.
• Build relationships with regulars and cultivate a sense of community within the café.
• Maintain high standards for cleanliness, ambiance, and overall guest experience.

Community Engagement

• Represent Hiker Coffee at community events, partnerships, and local engagements.
• Collaborate with the founders and marketing team to implement initiatives that strengthen Hiker's brand presence.
• Support programs that connect Hiker to its audience and expand awareness of our mission.

Qualifications Preferred

(Accepting all applicants; candidates with partial experience are encouraged to apply.)

• Experience managing or supervising within a cafe, coffee bar, restaurant, or fast-paced hospitality environment.
• Strong leadership abilities with proven success in coaching and developing teams.
• Solid understanding of scheduling, inventory, cash handling, and operational systems.
• Passion for craft coffee, wellness, clean ingredients, and intentional food preparation.
• Customer-first mindset with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with POS systems, Google Suite, and basic technology tools.
• Knowledge of espresso equipment, brewing methods, and coffee quality control.
• Prior food service management experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands, wrists, and forearms.
• Ability to lift up to 5 lbs frequently and up to 50 lbs occasionally.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to lead a fast-growing craft café rooted in wellness, connection, and quality.
• A supportive, collaborative work environment where your leadership and expertise are valued.
• Opportunities for professional growth within a rapidly expanding coffee brand.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about craft coffee, leadership, and building a memorable guest experience, we'd love to hear from you.

Please submit:

• Your resume
• A short cover letter explaining why you are a strong fit for the Cafe Manager role
• Your favorite coffee drink and how you make it

Join us at Hiker Coffee and help build a space where clean coffee, intentional food, and genuine hospitality come together.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $ $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Paid training

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Leadership/Management: 2 years (Preferred)
• Guest services: 2 years (Preferred)
• Barista experience: 2 years (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Chippewa Falls, WI Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Chippewa Falls, WI 54729: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person