Coffee Shop Manager at Lifestyle Communities in Durham, NC

Job Description:

Job Title Coffee Shop Manager

Company One Lifestyle, Ltd.

Department Site Management

Reports To Director, Morning Ritual

Wage Category Non-Exempt

The Team You Will Join

At Morning Ritual, you are joining a hospitality-driven coffee team built around energy, consistency, craft, and community. Our philosophy centers on delivering high-quality coffee, approachable food offerings, fast hospitality, and genuine guest connection in a welcoming and energetic environment. We believe coffee shops should feel personal — where regulars are known by name, the bar runs with precision, and the atmosphere creates a sense of belonging for both guests and team members. Every interaction, drink, and detail contributes to building a memorable experience that guests look forward to every day.

Who You Are:

As the Coffee Shop Manager, you are responsible for leading the daily operation, guest experience, team culture, and financial performance of the coffee shop. You set the tone for the business through leadership presence, hospitality standards, operational execution, and team development.

You understand that great coffee shops are built through consistency, urgency, hospitality, and attention to detail. Your ability to lead the floor, develop teams, protect the craft, and drive operational excellence directly impacts the guest experience and long-term success of the business.

The Difference You Will Make:

• Lead all daily coffee shop operations including guest experience, bar execution, cleanliness, staffing, and operational flow
• Create a welcoming, hospitality-first culture built around connection and consistency
• Lead daily pre-shift meetings focused on priorities, service standards, product focus, and operational readiness
• Maintain active floor presence by coaching, supporting, and leading the team during service
• Build relationships with regular guests and help create a highly personalized experience
• Recruit, interview, onboard, and develop baristas and café leadership teams
• Train and coach team members on espresso standards, milk steaming, recipes, hospitality, and operational procedures
• Create schedules that align with business needs while supporting team engagement and operational efficiency
• Manage labor, inventory, ordering, and controllable expenses to achieve business targets
• Analyze sales trends, guest behaviors, and operational opportunities to drive growth
• Ensure espresso machines, grinders, brewers, and equipment are properly maintained and calibrated
• Maintain recipe consistency, product quality, and presentation standards
• Ensure all food safety, sanitation, health, and alcohol service standards are consistently followed
• Partner closely with the General Manager, Director of Morning Ritual, and leadership teams to drive operational success
• Support surrounding hospitality operations and community activations when needed

What You’ll Bring:

• Passion for hospitality, coffee culture, and guest experience
• Strong operational leadership and people development skills
• Ability to lead fast-paced hospitality environments with energy and professionalism
• Strong communication, organization, and coaching abilities
• High attention to detail and commitment to product quality and consistency
• Ability to multitask, solve problems, and remain calm under pressure
• Experience with scheduling, labor management, inventory, and operational systems
• Positive attitude and hospitality-first mindset
• Evening, weekend, and holiday availability as business needs require
• Minimum 2+ years of coffee shop or hospitality management experience preferred
• Experience hiring, training, and developing front-of-house teams preferred
• ServSafe certification preferred
• TABC certification where applicable

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent required. At least two (2) years of related front-of-house and/or coffee shop management experience required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described herein are representative of the criteria that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform these functions in accordance with applicable law.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to work with long periods of standing and walking throughout the kitchen and service areas. In addition, employees will walk; handle food and beverage objects, reach and extend with hands and arms; talk and hear. Occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, crouching, and crawling; specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to focus.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to a kitchen and guest service environment including heat and steam.

Location and Travel: Position will be based in Nashville, TN, Brier Creek, NC, Pflugerville, TX, Charleston, SC or Columbus, OH with occasional travel to local stores.

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Lifestyle Communities (LC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.