Purpose of the Position:
The Café Lead position contributes to the Café at Futures by providing customers with excellent customer service, prompt service, quality beverages, and food products and by maintaining a clean and comfortable café environment. The number one responsibility is to work with our consumers and students, with patience, empathy and understanding.
Employment Details
Status: Full-time Hourly
Hours: Based on program and operation needs
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Lead Café operations, ensuring efficient, high-quality food and beverage service.
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Develop and implement coffee and specialty beverage program.
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Maintain and document standardized recipes and preparation methods.
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Implement and monitor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Cafe.
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Enforce food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards.
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Train students/consumers in food service, customer service skills, and food safety.
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Administrative tasks including food/supply ordering and inventory tracking.
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Act with integrity, honesty and knowledge that promote the culture, values, and mission of Futures, Inc., making sure all Café staff are adhering to these values.
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Maintain a calm demeanor during periods of high volume or unusual events.
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Anticipate Café needs by evaluating environment and customer cues.
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Assist with new staff training by positively reinforcing successful performance.
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Deliver customer service to patrons with a “customer comes first” attitude.
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Drive guest engagement by actively welcoming patrons, building relationships with regulars, and promoting daily specials to increase repeat visits.
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Optimize merchandising and presentation by maintaining attractive displays and highlighting high-margin items that convert foot traffic into purchases.
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Activate local sales opportunities by aligning café promotions with library programs, peak hours, and staff upselling to grow overall sales.
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Monitor ServSafe certification compliance and report variances.
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Follow policies and procedures, including cash handling, safety, and security.
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Assist with food preparation, catering, special events, and other Café activities.
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Implement waste reduction strategies to support sustainability.
Certifications & Requirements
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Must pass a background check.
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Ability to tolerate standing and walking for extended periods (up to 5 hours).
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Ability to lift equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
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Must be well groomed and able to maintain professional appearance.
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Ability to operate agency vehicles and transport consumers as needed.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
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Ability to work in a busy bakery and production kitchen environment.
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Frequent lifting of kitchen equipment and supplies up to 50 pounds.
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Exposure to heat, noise, repetitive tasks, and potential workplace hazards.
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May be required to lift and/or restrain consumers or respond to physically aggressive behaviors.
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Ability to meet physical, sensory, and environmental demands of a commercial bakery setting.
Disclaimer
This job description outlines the primary responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be all-inclusive. The incumbent may be required to perform additional job-related duties as assigned. Futures Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
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3-5 years of food service experience, preferably in a cafe setting.
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ServSafe Food Handler or Manager Certification (or willingness to obtain).
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Skills in human relations, leadership communication, and conflict management.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
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Passion for quality, consistency, and exceeding customer’s experience.
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Ability to stand for extended periods, lift heavy objects, and work in a fast-paced environment.
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Excellent organization, time management skills, and self-initiation.
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Willingness to work as a team and contribute to positive work culture.
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Ability to deliver information in a clear and respectful manner to team members, vendors, and customers.
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Strong work ethic and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
