About Us:
Courageous Books is a general interest independent bookstore in the heart of Dexter, Michigan. We strive to make the world a better place through connection, caring, and our shared love of reading. The bookstore is nearly a year old, and has already become a staple in the community. We're excited to have the addition of a cafe as a part of our store, and are looking forward to showing love and care through the creation of great coffee drinks in order to really solidify this place as a "third space" in our community. People ask us every day, "When will the cafe be open?" If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and be part of building something special from the ground up, we’d love to hear from you.
Job Overview:
Courageous Books is looking for an experienced, hands-on Coffee Shop Manager to help lead our new cafe. This is an active, floor-based position for someone who is confident behind the bar and enjoys working alongside the team while keeping daily operations running smoothly.
Our ideal manager understands that great leadership requires initiative, organization, clear communication, and consistent follow-through. They will oversee daily operations, support and develop employees, maintain food-safety and service standards, and foster a welcoming environment for both customers and staff.
The right person notices what needs attention, communicates concerns proactively, and takes genuine ownership of the shop’s day-to-day success. We’re looking for someone passionate about hospitality, teamwork, and creating memorable customer experiences.
We’re looking for someone who is brave enough to help build this space from the ground up, taking it from a new addition to our bookstore and building it into an integral part of the community.
This position reports to the Store Owner. Please note: this is not a temporary position. We desire candidates who are ready to grow with the business and contribute to our long-term success.
Responsibilities:
● Performs and excels at all essential functions as a barista
● Excels in product execution, quality control, barista training, recipe and brewing audits, and new recipe development.
● Delivers an amazing Courageous Books experience to all guests by following our service recipes, engaging with guests, and providing a positive atmosphere
● Supervises staff on-shift throughout the week, including communicating expectations, workflow/task management, upholding service expectations, performance management, training, and ensuring high quality control of coffee making
● Provides servant leadership to all staff including giving clear and useful feedback, promoting a positive work environment, and building unity among the staff
● Guides and directs staff to achieve excellent work effectiveness, including efficiency, urgency, timeliness, accuracy and anticipation of guest needs
● Troubleshoots timely and effectively when daily challenges occur
● Creates and documents systems and performance standards for Courageous Books Cafe
● Creates, updates, maintains, and follows all Standard Operating Procedures, including opening and closing procedures
● Upholds and holds staff accountable for all Courageous Books systems and performance standards
● Manages and monitors Operating Report, scheduling, inventory, and ordering
● Works to meet (or exceed!) financial measures including Sales, Food/Labor costs, Food waste, and time effectiveness of the workflow
● Maintains a clean, safe and sanitary work environment
● Maintains good communications and a positive working relationship with the whole cafe and bookstore staff.
● Completes approximately 5-10 hours of administrative work per week, depending on the needs of the cafe.
Requirements:
● Flexible availability, including evenings and weekends
● Abides by Code of Conduct
● Dedication to the values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Qualifications:
● Proven management experience
● Hospitality experience, preferably in the food or beverage industry
● ServSafe certified
● At least 3 years of experience working in specialty coffee
● Experience working in a quality control or a quality support role is a plus.
● Process and systems oriented
● Strong communication skills
● Strong organizational skills
● Impeccable service standards and attention to detail
● Ability to lead with kindness, humility, and by example
● Actively promotes a positive and productive work environment
● Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends
● Ability to utilize spreadsheets and communicate well in speech and writing
● Comfortable standing, lifting and bending for the duration of a shift
Benefits:
● Inclusive work environment and company culture
● Paid training
●Vacation Days
●Employee Discount
● Access to free advanced reader copies and audio books
Pay: From $48,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Paid training
Ability to Commute:
- Dexter, MI 48130 (Required)
Work Location: In person
