Assistant Manager

WHO WE ARE Dear Mama is a love letter to the women and communities who raised us, and to the spirit of care that holds people together. The cafe and our approach to hospitality is inspired by the generations of women who have collectively shaped us, and the larger village that raised us as native New Yorkers in multigenerational neighborhoods with extended family, neighbors, and chosen kin who taught us what it means to show up, feed people, and lead with love. We are looking for an Assistant Manager to contribute to our soulful hospitality, and work with us to continue to elevate our coffee and cafe menus that pair with a bar program curated by owner Zach Sharaga, who was the founder of NYT-acclaimed of the jazz bar Louis 649, and co-owner of MACE, recognized as one of the Top 50 Cocktail Bars in the World. The cafe is nestled amongst the Columbia University buildings of its Manhattanville campus, and we are proud to have been part of the Harlem community for a decade this year! JOB DETAILS Dear Mama NYC is an all-day cafe nestled on Columbia University’s Manhattanville Campus just 1 block from 125th stop on the 1 train. The cafe is built in a glass-walled atrium with an open kitchen for a relaxed and sun-filled atmosphere where the staff and guests feel like a family. We are in search of an Assistant Manager who is inspired by the environment to create operational structures for the business while being in service with our team and be an impassioned partner in our growth plan. You’ll work directly with the Owner and Beverage & Service Director to refine our processes and help to lead the team into its next chapter. This role reports directly to the Owner and works in close partnership with the Beverage & Service Director. Final authority on financial decisions, disciplinary action, and strategic direction remains with ownership. WHAT YOU’LL DO This is a hands-on Assistant Manager role focused on execution and team leadership; it is not a General Manager position. Job responsibilities may evolve based on operational needs. Any material changes will be discussed in advance. Hospitality, Service and Operations Half of your day will be spent in service, supporting the team and creating a warm guest experience. Embodying Dear Mama’s culture and hospitality through each interaction Acting as the host during the lunch and evening rushes Support the team during closing and ensure all checklists are completed Attend weekly strategy meetings with the owner and Director to discuss goals and paths to implement new processes, initiatives and menu items. Build and manage front-of-house & back-of-house staff schedules Administer payroll in collaboration with the Owner You’ll collaborate with the Events Manager to support front-of-house operations, staffing and service for onsite and offsite events. Inventory & Cost Control Manage and strengthen vendor relationships Inventory and ordering for all FOH items including paper products, chemicals, alcohol and N/A bev, coffee, tea, milks, merch Control food & labor costs in line with budget projections, aiming to hit below them. Working closely with Owner to strategize on being nimble and creative with reaching set goals. Stocktaking ingredients and equipment, placing orders as needed Manage labor cost and sales projections Food Safety & Quality Implement and enforce best practices for sanitation and all DOH standards An A grade is a non-negotiable requirement Manage the overall responsibility of proper storing procedures, orders, costs, equipment, sanitation and hygiene to Company and local standards Team Leadership & Management Hire, train, schedule and mentor front-of-house staff Work closely with back-of-house for seamless guest experience Enforce Company Handbook policies, procedures daily Partner with Key Stakeholders to foster growth and build community Evaluate new menu items, costing, purchasing, programming, training and overall execution of a successful dining experience that delights