General Manager

Job Title: General Manager

Location: Purple Waves Café & Wine Bar, 285 West 110th Street, NYC 10026
Reports To: Owners / Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO)

About Purple Waves:
Purple Waves is a sustainable café and wine bar located in the heart of the Upper West Side/Harlem. We are a family-run establishment committed to promoting locally sourced and ethically produced food and beverages, with a unique emphasis on circularity, reducing waste and fostering a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere. Our business has recently expanded to include a curated market offering locally sourced, high quality products. We are seeking a General Manager to oversee daily operations, manage the café and wine bar, retail portion and inventory, as well as lead and support our staff.

Position Overview:
The General Manager (GM) will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of Purple Waves, ensuring efficient management of the café and wine bar, the newly added retail market, and inventory control. The GM will also be tasked with maintaining a positive, productive workplace culture, overseeing staff, and implementing HR best practices. As a representative of Purple Waves, the GM should demonstrate a commitment to our sustainability values and be open to learning more about the business's environmental initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Café & Wine Bar Operations Management:

• Oversee the daily operations of the café and wine bar, ensuring smooth service, high customer satisfaction, and consistent quality.
• Manage the café’s menu execution, ensuring all items are prepared and presented to Purple Waves’ standards.
• Ensure efficient point-of-sale (POS) system usage, including training staff on its functions and troubleshooting when necessary.
• Maintain operational efficiency, reducing waste and optimizing the use of resources.
• Ensure health and safety protocols, including sanitation and food safety, are adhered to at all times.

Retail Operations & Inventory Management:

• Oversee the operations of the new local, sustainable, and low-waste market portion of the business, including product display, restocking, and customer interactions.
• Manage inventory, placing orders as necessary and ensuring that all retail products are stocked and stored according to business needs.
• Develop and implement inventory control procedures, ensuring products are stored properly, and waste is minimized.
• Track and monitor product turnover and adjust stock levels to meet demand while minimizing excess.

Staff Management & HR:

• Hire, train, and manage a team of versatile staff members, each taking on a variety of roles, including barista, server, kitchen support, and retail associate, based on business needs.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment, ensuring that staff are engaged, motivated, and aligned with Purple Waves' mission.
• Create staff schedules, balancing business needs with employee availability and labor costs.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide ongoing training, and implement staff development initiatives to improve skill sets.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws, employee rights, and health and safety regulations.

Financial Management:

• Support budgeting and cost control efforts by analyzing daily sales and expenses.
• Work closely with the owners to monitor financial performance, track key metrics, and identify areas for improvement in profitability.
• Oversee payroll, ensuring all employee hours and benefits are accurately tracked and processed.

Sustainability Leadership (Preferred):

• Act as a representative of Purple Waves’ sustainability efforts, supporting the integration of eco-friendly practices into daily operations.
• Promote the business's low-waste and circular economy model, educating staff and customers about sustainable practices.
• Assist in sourcing sustainable, locally-produced products and packaging for both the café and retail market.

Customer Experience & Community Engagement:

• Ensure a high level of customer service, maintaining friendly, welcoming, and professional communication with customers at all times.
• Handle customer inquiries, feedback, and complaints with a solution-oriented approach.
• Lead and support community outreach efforts and local partnerships, further integrating Purple Waves into the neighborhood.

Business Development & Reporting:

• Collaborate with the owners on strategic business initiatives, including marketing and promotions for both the café and retail market.
• Analyze sales data, customer feedback, and market trends to provide insights and recommendations for improving operations.
• Prepare regular reports on operational performance, staff progress, and business KPIs for review with the CSO.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• 3-5 years of management experience in a café, restaurant, or retail setting, with a focus on operations and staff management.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Proven ability to lead a team and create a positive work environment.
• Financial acumen, with experience managing budgets and controlling costs.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Experience with POS systems, inventory management, and basic business reporting.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations in food and beverage operations.
• A valid NYC Department of Health (DOH) Food Handler's License is required. If the candidate does not currently hold a valid license, it must be obtained within the first 30 days of employment.
• A passion for sustainability is preferred, though not required. The ideal candidate must be open to learning about sustainable practices and representing our eco-conscious business values.
• Ability to work weekends and flexible hours as needed.

Personal Attributes:

• Self-motivated and proactive, with a strong ability to take initiative and solve problems.
• Collaborative, approachable, and capable of building strong relationships with staff, customers, and local partners.
• Adaptable and able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• A genuine interest in community building and local partnerships.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary, based on experience.
• Healthcare stipend or contribution.
• Employee discounts on food, drinks, and retail products.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

To Apply:
Please send your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in the role to [email protected]

Purple Waves is an equal opportunity employer, and we celebrate diversity in our workplace. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.