Assistant Manager, Tomlinson Cafe (PT) at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Inc – KANSAS CITY, Missouri

Assistant Manager – Tomlinson Cafe

Report to: Manager – Sword & Trowel Bookstore and Tomlinson Café

Department: Auxiliary Services

FLSA Status: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

JOB PURPOSE The Sword & Trowel Bookstore and Tomlinson Cafe Assistant Manager is responsible for the efficient daily operations of Tomlinson Cafe, ensuring exceptional customer service, quality beverage and food preparation, and a positive and productive work environment. This role supports the Manager by taking ownership of the Cafe's day-to-day functions and contributing to financial performance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Cafe Operations Management

• Daily Operations: Manage the daily operations of Tomlinson Cafe, including opening and closing procedures, workflow management, and ensuring smooth and efficient service.
• Quality Control: Oversee all Cafe operations related to beverage and food preparation, quality control, presentation, adherence to recipes, and quality standards.
• Inventory & Supplies: Manage Cafe inventory, ensuring adequate stock levels of ingredients and consumables. Place orders with vendors as needed.
• Vendor Relations: Develop and maintain positive relationships with Cafe vendors, including coffee roasters and food suppliers.
• Cleanliness: Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and appearance of the Cafe, ensuring health and safety standards are met.

Team Leadership (Cafe Focus)

• Supervision: Provide day-to-day supervision and leadership to the Cafe Barista team, fostering a positive, collaborative environment.
• Training: Train and onboard new Barista staff on beverage preparation, customer service, and POS usage.
• Scheduling: Create and manage Cafe staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage and optimize labor costs.
• Performance: Monitor Barista performance, providing ongoing coaching. Escalate serious disciplinary issues or hiring/firing recommendations to the Manager.

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

• Invoice Processing: Code and process cafe-related invoices using the online Vendor Invoice Processing Form. Submit these weekly to the Manager for final review and approval.
• Deposit Verification: Collaborate with the Bookstore Assistant Manager (or Manager) to verify cash counts and prepare bank deposits in accordance with dual-custody financial policies.
• Budget Adherence: Operate the Cafe within the budget set by the Manager, monitoring sales and expenses.

Collaboration & Support

• Bookstore Support: Provide operational support to the bookstore as needed during peak periods or staff absences.
• Marketing: Under the direction of the Manager, assist in creating content for Cafe-specific marketing initiatives, through email and social media (Facebook, Instagram, and X).
• eCommerce: Maintain Cafe product listings on the eCommerce platform.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS

• Christian with high integrity, actively pursuing a relationship with God, active in a local congregation and affirms the BF&M 2000.
• Knowledge of and experience with specialty coffees are strongly preferred.
• High School Education or GED.
• Customer service skills including friendliness, patience, and competence.
• Able to obtain a food handler’s permit.
• Able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and stand for 8+ hours per day.

DIRECT REPORTS

• Baristas – Tomlinson Cafe
• Federal Work Study Student Employees (Cafe)