Job Description
Job Description
Position Summary
The General Manager is responsible for leading OCA Mocha in its mission to serve high-quality products, support staff development, and strengthen the relationship between UMBC and the local community. This role oversees café operations, cultivates an inclusive environment, and ensures that every guest feels welcomed and valued. The GM sets the tone for hospitality, staff growth, financial performance, and community engagement.
Leadership & Student-Focused Development
- Recruit, train, mentor, and empower staff to develop practical skills in customer service, operations, and leadership.
- Actively foster a supportive workspace where young employees feel comfortable learning, making mistakes, and growing.
- Provide ongoing coaching in teamwork, communication, and work ethic consistent with OCA Mocha’s educational values.
- Create fair and flexible schedules that support academic priorities while balancing business needs.
Community Experience & Café Culture
- Lead by example to ensure a warm, respectful, and community-driven atmosphere that reflects OCA Mocha’s identity.
- Maintain OCA Mocha’s reputation for excellent service, high-quality drinks/food, and a welcoming environment for students, faculty, local residents, and visitors.
- Support programming such as open mics, campus initiatives, and community partnerships that reinforce the café’s role as a gathering space.
- Proactively seek feedback from guests, staff, and community partners to continuously improve.
Operational Excellence & Compliance
- Oversee daily operations including opening/closing procedures, POS systems, cash handling, inventory, and vendor coordination.
- Maintain a clean, safe café that meets health, safety, and food quality standards.
- Ensure equipment maintenance, organized storage, and consistent food/drink preparation methods.
- Develop systems that make it easy for student workers to succeed and follow clear standards.
Financial Stewardship & Business Growth
- Track performance metrics (labor %, COGS, waste, sales trends, promotions) to support sustainable long-term operations.
- Reduce waste and control costs without compromising quality or staff development.
- Collaborate with ownership on pricing, seasonal menus, promotions, and customer-driven programs.
- Provide weekly and monthly operational reports with insights on improvements.
Qualifications
- 2+ years of café, restaurant, or hospitality management experience. (Optional)
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor and train staff and build a positive culture.
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to manage operations, understand key metrics, and make data-driven decisions.
- ServSafe Manager Certification (or willing to obtain within 60 days). (Required)
Working Conditions
- Ability to work early mornings, weekends, and peak demand periods.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 35 lbs.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced café during short rush windows while supporting staff hands-on.
Core Competencies\
- Hospitality & Guest Engagement
- Operational Structure & Systems
- Responsible Financial Management
- Community Partnership Mindset
- Reliability & Accountability