Description Job Title: Café Manager Department: Dining Services Reports To: Vice President of Sales & Events Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced, hospitality-driven CaféManager to lead daily café operations and develop a team committed to delivering exceptional guest experience. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines strategic oversight with active floor presence to ensure consistent, exceptional service, operational excellence, and financial performance. The Café Manager holds full accountability for the operational, financial, and people leadership functions of the Museum's café and catering services, including monthly Fernbank After Dark events and other special programming. The ideal candidate brings both culinary sensibility and business acumen, with the ability to lead a motivated team while maintaining rigorous standards across all areas of the Café's operations. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership Oversee and actively participate in daily café service and food preparation, including ordering, inventory control, equipment maintenance, and food safety. Establish and maintain efficient operational systems and procedures. Ensure high standards of food preparation, presentation, cleanliness, and guest service. Maintain compliance with all local and State of Georgia health and safety regulations. Monitor and maintain café equipment to ensure operational readiness. Revenue Performance & Cost Control Manage café financial performance, including pricing strategy, budgeting, cost control, purchasing, vendor payments, and daily sales reporting to ensure profitability and identify opportunities for revenue growth Manage labor scheduling to align staffing levels with business demand while controlling labor costs. Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure quality, reliability, and cost management. Menu & Product Development Develop and update café and catering menus that align with the Museum's service model and guest preferences. Ensure quality, consistency, and cost efficiency across all offerings. Catering & Special Events Collaborate with the Special Events team to execute catering for Museum events, including monthly Fernbank After Dark events Oversee catering production planning, staffing, costing, and execution. Ensure event food service aligns with event themes, guest expectations, and Museum standards. Team Leadership & Development Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise café staff. Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular coaching conversations and performance evaluations, and maintain consistent accountability practices. Foster a positive, service-oriented team culture focused on collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement. Develop structured onboarding and training processes to ensure staff success. Guest Experience & Brand Alignment Model hospitality-forward service standards and coach staff to deliver engaging, guest-centered interactions. Support broader Museum initiatives and collaborate cross-functionally with other departments as needed Qualifications/Skills Demonstrated experience managing financial performance, including budgets, cost controls, and revenue tracking. Ability to lead, coach, and develop a team in a food service or hospitality environment. Strong knowledge of food safety standards and regulatory compliance. Exceptional organizational, time management, and communication skills. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Strong customer service orientation and passion for food and hospitality. Professional demeanor, positive attitude, and collaborative mindset. Education and Experience Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience. Minimum of two (2) years of experience in food service or restaurant management required Experience managing budgets or P&L responsibilities ServSafe Manager Certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire). Work Environment & Schedule Primarily daytime schedule, however, availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events is required. Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25-40 pounds. Ability to work in a kitchen environment with exposure to heat, noise, and food allergens. Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt Open Date 3/12/2026 Number of Openings 1 EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. About the Organization Fernbank, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is one of the most popular and iconic cultural attractions in Atlanta. Home to the world's largest dinosaurs, Atlanta's biggest movie screen and one of the largest assemblages of urban Piedmont forest in the United States, Fernbank brings science to life through immersive programming and unmatched experiences that encourage a greater appreciation of our planet and its inhabitants. Fernbank continues its environmental legacy to protect Fernbank Forest while fulfilling an educational mission to inspire lifelong learning of natural history. Fernbank's Values: Science and the natural world inspire us. Curiosity drives us. Inclusivity strengthens us. Community empowers us. Resourcefulness advances us. Integrity grounds us. This position is currently accepting applications.
