Role Summary
The Assistant Café Manager (ACM) supports the day-to-day operations of a Merit Coffee café while delivering exceptional hospitality and the highest quality specialty coffee beverages. This role combines hands-on barista responsibilities with leadership development, administrative support, and team training.
The Assistant Café Manager role is designed as a development pathway, preparing high-performing team members for future Café Manager opportunities through hands-on leadership experience, operational exposure, and coaching.
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Key Responsibilities
Customer Experience & Hospitality
• Welcome customers warmly, answer questions, and create an engaging, hospitable café environment.
• Inform customers about seasonal offerings, new items, and retail products.
• Process customer orders and payments accurately and efficiently.
• Serve as a visible, positive presence on the café floor and a bright spot in customers’ days.
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Coffee, Beverage & Food Excellence
• Prepare specialty coffee beverages, teas, and other drinks to Merit’s quality standards.
• Maintain deep knowledge of current coffee offerings and communicate product details clearly to customers.
• Prepare and serve food items, including sandwiches and baked goods, following food safety and presentation standards.
• Package food and beverages for sale in compliance with quality and safety requirements.
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Retail Sales & Product Education
• Sell retail coffee, brewing equipment, and related merchandise.
• Educate customers on brewing methods, equipment differences, and coffee selection to enhance the retail experience.
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Café Operations & Cleanliness
• Maintain clean, organized, and well-stocked work and dining areas.
• Sanitize equipment and utensils and ensure adherence to food safety and quality controls.
• Update signage and displays to attract customers and support promotions.
• Assist with inventory counts and replenishment of café supplies and display items.
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Leadership Development & Team Support
• Work alongside the Café Manager to lead shifts, model expectations, and support team performance.
• Assist in training new and existing team members in coffee preparation, service standards, and café operations.
• Foster a positive, high-energy, and collaborative team environment.
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Administrative & Managerial Support
• Assist the Café Manager with administrative duties, including ordering, scheduling, inventory management, and operational coordination.
• Support execution of café standards, policies, and procedures.
• Serve as a key support role in maintaining smooth daily operations.
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Outcomes & Measures of Success
• Consistent delivery of excellent customer service and hospitality.
• High-quality beverage and food execution aligned with Merit standards.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and shift execution.
• Demonstrated readiness and development toward Café Manager responsibilities.
• Clean, safe, and organized café environment.
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Required Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Availability to work full-time (40 hours per week), including early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to customer satisfaction and service excellence.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
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Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in food and beverage service, specialty coffee, or customer-facing roles.
• Prior experience assisting with training, scheduling, inventory, or team leadership.
• Passion for coffee and interest in professional development within café operations.
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Physical Requirements
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry items consistent with café operations.