Job Title : General Manager - Purple Waves Café and Wine Bar
Location : 285 West 110th Street, Manhattan, New York City
Job Type : Full-time
We are a vibrant, sustainability-focused café and wine bar located at the nexus of the Manhattan neighborhoods of Harlem, the Upper West Side and Morningside Heights, blending sustainable practices with exceptional service. Our establishment promotes locally sourced, and ethically produced food and beverages, with a unique emphasis on circularity, reducing waste and fostering a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere. Purple Waves also serves as a family-friendly venue, including a children’s play space, allowing guests to enjoy our offerings in a relaxed, inclusive environment. We are looking for a passionate and experienced General Manager who shares our values and is ready to help us lead in the sustainability sector while delivering an outstanding customer experience.
The General Manager (GM) will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the café and wine bar, ensuring the highest standards of service and operational efficiency. The GM will work closely with the owners, staff, and local suppliers to create an engaging environment that supports our mission. The ideal candidate has a strong background in hospitality management, an understanding of sustainability, and a desire to foster a vibrant, community-oriented space. GM will report directly to owners.
● Lead, manage, and motivate a team of baristas, servers, kitchen staff, and administrative personnel, promoting a culture of sustainability, inclusivity, and customer-focused service.
● Recruit, train, and develop staff members, ensuring all employees are aligned with our sustainability values and are knowledgeable about our food and beverage offerings.
● Schedule staff shifts, manage labor costs, and ensure adequate staffing levels for peak times while maintaining budgetary controls.
● Conduct regular team meetings to provide updates on policies, sustainability goals, and performance metrics.
Operational Management:● Oversee daily café and wine bar operations, including food preparation, service quality, and cleanliness, ensuring all health and safety standards are met.
● Collaborate with the kitchen and bar staff to maintain sustainable practices, such as zero-waste initiatives, composting, and energy-efficient processes.
● Manage inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships, with a focus on sourcing local, organic, and fair-trade products.
● Monitor and optimize the café’s operational efficiency, identifying and implementing improvements where necessary.
● Ensure an outstanding customer experience by maintaining high standards of service, ambiance, and product quality.
● Develop and maintain strong relationships with regular guests, actively gathering feedback and making improvements based on customer insights.
● Create a welcoming, family-friendly environment that caters to a diverse range of customers, including parents with young children using the play space.
● Resolve customer complaints and issues promptly and professionally, ensuring guest satisfaction.
● Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and performance analysis, ensuring profitability while staying true to the café’s sustainability goals.
● Manage costs and expenses, including labor, supplies, and overhead, without compromising quality or environmental impact.
● Work with the owners to set sales targets and implement strategies to achieve and exceed revenue goals.
● Monitor and analyze sales, inventory, and financial data, providing regular reports to the owners.
● Champion and implement the café’s sustainability strategies, ensuring that all operational practices align with our commitment to environmental responsibility.
● Track and report on sustainability metrics (e.g., waste reduction, energy usage, and product sourcing) and make recommendations for improvement.
● Educate staff and customers about the café's sustainable practices, creating a space where sustainability is celebrated and understood by all.
● Work with the marketing team to promote the café and wine bar, focusing on our sustainability initiatives, events, and community involvement.
● Develop partnerships with local businesses, farmers, and environmental organizations to promote sustainable food systems and expand the café’s reach.
● Plan and host events that align with our mission, such as sustainability workshops, wine tastings, and family-friendly community gatherings.
● Engage with social media and other platforms to enhance the café’s visibility and communicate our values.
● Experience : Minimum of 3 years of experience in hospitality management, preferably in a café, restaurant, or wine bar setting. Experience in managing sustainability initiatives is a plus.
● Education (preferred) : Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred but not required. Relevant work experience may substitute.
● Skills : Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with a proven ability to manage a team and operate a business efficiently.
● Knowledge (preferred) : Deep understanding of sustainable practices in the food and beverage industry, including sourcing, waste reduction, and energy efficiency.
● Technology : Proficiency in point-of-sale systems, inventory management software, and basic accounting tools.
● Customer Service : A passion for delivering exceptional customer service and fostering a community-focused environment.
● Competitive salary with opportunity for performance-based bonuses.
● Opportunities for professional development and growth within the company.
● Paid vacation and sick leave.
● A collaborative, values-driven workplace.
Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are passionate about leading a sustainability-focused café and wine bar in Manhattan.
We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.